Significance of Guru
Synonyms: Master, Teacher, Mentor, Instructor, Sage, Guide, Expert, Authority, Savant, Advisor, Teachers, Authorities, Leaders, Advisors, Masters, Coaches, Consultants
In German: Guru; In Finnish: Guru; In Swedish: Guru; In Malay: Guru; In Portugese: Guru; In Italian: Guru; In Polish: Guru; In Dutch: Goeroe; In Spanish: Gurú; In French: Gourou
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Guru'
In Buddhism, the Guru is a pivotal figure. They are seen as embodiments of enlightenment, guiding disciples through meditation and spiritual practices. Gurus are essential for transmitting teachings, fostering personal awareness, and facilitating transformative yogic practices.
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) These individuals favored the four special steps of the Vase-Breathing practice that were found in the pith-instructions in the past, and taught the practices.[1] (2) The Guru is the subject of meditation in Akrul-akor, and the practitioner visualizes the Guru seated on their head while praying.[2] (3) These are the teachers who give verbal instructions on the Transformation Yoga and the Yoga of Entering Another's Body, providing guidance on the practices.[3] (4) The disciple should think of his own Guru as the embodiment of the Thunderbolt-Holder, and should give up all other services and offerings and concentrate on serving and offering to this person alone.[4]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) This is considered most important internally, contrasting with the Buddha, who is considered most important from the external viewpoint.[5] (2) The guru is described as the individual and personal awareness, which creates a gap in the coming and going of thoughts, leading to the cessation of prana.[6]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Guru is a term used to denote a master or a teacher in a spiritual context.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Guru'
In Hinduism, a Guru is a multifaceted term. Primarily, a Guru is a revered spiritual teacher or guide who imparts sacred knowledge, initiates disciples, and guides them toward understanding the divine. They are seen as embodiments of Brahman, deserving of respect, and are crucial for spiritual growth, revealing truths, and leading individuals toward liberation.
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Naraikela Taila is described as Guru, which means it has a heavy quality that can contribute to its nourishing and grounding effects.[8] (2) Guru is one of the qualities of drugs contained in Upanaha Svedayoga, along with Ushna, Snigdhna, Tikshna, and Sukshma, contributing to the potency of the drugs entering the Sandhi.[9] (3) It is a property of Yavanala that indicates it is heavy for digestion, requiring more effort from the digestive system to process it effectively.[10] (4) It means heavy and hard-to-digest and is a causative factor for skin diseases.[11] (5) A quality of food substances that contributes to Samprapti, described as heavy or difficult to digest.[12]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) These are qualities observed dominant in Sharira Samhanana in Kapha Varga, which includes Rasa and Meda Dhatu, which are the main cause of Sthoulya.[13] (2) It is one of the Guna, with 9%.[14] (3) It refers to a heavy quality and is one of the consumable substances that are causes of obstruction in the system.[15] (4) Shamiphala has Madhura Rasa, Guru, Rooksha Guna and Ushna Veerya and Keshagna Karma and Shami Phala is described as Guru, Ushna, Madhura and Keshgna.[16] (5) Hastini Dugdha is this in nature.[17]
From: Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine
(1) This is a term that describes the buffalo milk, which slows down digestion and is maha abhishyandi, creating srotorodha and affecting the physiological channels of nourishment.[18] (2) This term describes a property of Masha, which may help to reduce the symptoms, as discussed in the context of the treatment.[19]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) A spiritual teacher or mentor that is acknowledged and respected in the purification process.[20]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) One of the entities that some people discriminate against, along with Hari and Vaishnava, preventing them from achieving auspiciousness, according to the commentary.[21] (2) Guru's (spiritual master's) prema (love) allowed Ishvara Puri to travel free from anxieties due to Krishna's prasada (mercy).[22] (3) This figure is rejected if one disrespects the Supreme Personality of Godhead’s supreme servitor and attributes mundane considerations to them, revealing an atheistic nature.[23] (4) A role held by Keshava Bharati in relation to Caitanya, according to the statement made by Advaita Mahashaya to the sannyasi.[24] (5) According to the information, the mercy of Guru, alongside Shri Hari and Vaishnava, is crucial for liberating living entities from the entanglement of sinful reactions that bind them to material enjoyment.[25]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Guru refers to the spiritual guide whose words were highly respected, and whose instructions regarding the chanting of the mantra were followed, leading to the speaker maintaining his chanting practice.[26] (2) A guru, as described in the text, is someone who can personally descend to guide and bestow mercy, exemplified by the Lord appearing as Jayanta to serve as a spiritual guide.[27] (3) Guru, or spiritual teacher, is a figure whose orders were disobeyed by Bali Maharaja, leading to a curse, as the text examines the significance of following instructions.[28] (4) Gurus are spiritual teachers or mentors who guide others on the path of spiritual realization and worship.[29] (5) A spiritual teacher or guide from whom wisdom, devotional practices, and understanding of the scriptures are received.[30]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) It refers to a spiritual teacher, specifically a diksha-guru, who is accepted even after having passed away and entered into the eternal pastimes.[31] (2) A spiritual figure whose devotional service was appreciated, with pledges to cooperate in preaching work and discussions about land donation for a future temple.[32] (3) This is a spiritual teacher who is fully realized in both shastra and Shri Krishna, and is essential for delivering jivas from material existence.[33] (4) A spiritual teacher or guide in the Vaishnava tradition who imparts wisdom and understanding to disciples in their spiritual journey.[34] (5) Refers to the spiritual teacher from whom one hears and learns about Krishna and devotional practices.[35]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) It refers to a spiritual teacher or guide, signifying a person who provides wisdom and direction.[36] (2) Guru refers to a spiritual teacher or mentor, who along with the mother and brahmana, receives the restored sons, highlighting the importance of guru-matr-dvijanam in the verse.[37] (3) This is a spiritual guide that someone follows.[38] (4) In the provided text, the guru is described as someone whose actions are mirrored by the disciple, and if the guru speaks lies, the disciple will also speak lies.[39] (5) The guru is repeatedly compared to divine figures, emphasizing their role in spiritual guidance and as a direct link to the ultimate reality.[40]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) This is a spiritual teacher, and the text identifies them as the pivot of the whole process of the quest of the Absolute.[41] (2) A spiritual teacher or master who imparts knowledge and guidance to the disciple.[42] (3) A spiritual teacher considered essential for guiding aspirants towards realization and connection with the divine.[43] (4) A spiritual teacher essential for guiding disciples in the practice of devotion and understanding the divine nature of the Name.[44]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) It is the house where Krishna lived and faced ontolerable difficulties because of his sincere devotion.[45] (2) The spiritual teacher, who should be recognized as the divine and never disrespected or envied, as presented within the text.[46] (3) The term refers to a spiritual guide, and the text indicates that there was no suffering endured in service to this figure.[47] (4) Refers to a teacher or mentor in the spiritual and educational traditions, indicating the importance of guidance in the acquisition of knowledge.[48]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The guru provides constant guidance to the raganuga-bhakta in their method of bhajana, which involves performing desired eternal service.[49] (2) The guru is meditated upon by the sadhaka as being situated in Shri Navadvipa or Shri Vrindavanadhama, possessing two eyes and two arms, bestowing fearlessness and embodying peacefulness.[50] (3) To disregard the guru who is established in all the truths regarding the holy name, considering him to be an ordinary man possessing a perishable body composed of material elements is an offence.[51]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The Guru is an important figure, and one must have faith in their Guru and Deva to ensure success to the devotee who does Purashcaranam.[52] (2) One who is related to faith and devotion, and through which one becomes Sattvik and knows the Purana Samhitas.[53] (3) The spiritual teacher or guide, often viewed as an embodiment of divinity, whom one should meditate upon and honor.[54] (4) A spiritual teacher who imparts wisdom and guidance regarding devotion to deity Krishna.[55] (5) A spiritual teacher or guide who imparts wisdom and practices for achieving spiritual goals.[56]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) Guru is a teacher who can provide knowledge of the true meaning of the many treatises on Yoga and the unintermittent practice accordingly.[57] (2) A Guru is a spiritual teacher who initiates and guides seekers in their pursuit of knowledge and self-realization.[58] (3) A spiritual teacher or guide who assists individuals in their pursuit of knowledge and realization of truth.[59] (4) A teacher or spiritual guide who imparts wisdom and leads the disciple towards enlightenment and understanding.[60] (5) A spiritual teacher who imparts wisdom and knowledge, guiding disciples towards realization of the self and Brahman.[61]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) These include mother, father, teacher, spiritual preceptor, elder brother, father’s father, landlord, mother’s brother, and others.[62] (2) Serving Gurus and speaking the truth means one need not perform any other kind of hard austerity.[63] (3) Teacher or spiritual guide; in this context, it refers to Vedavyasa, Suta’s mentor.[64] (4) The teacher or preceptor, in this context, Vrihaspati, who imparted knowledge to Vamana.[65]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Guru is a person who is considered to be a teacher, and the text mentions that someone is a true disciple of their Guru.[66] (2) The youth stated that such an act is unlawful, as one who does not respect the couch of his Guru is considered an abandoned person.[67] (3) Spiritual teachers or guides, whose service and teachings Shabari acknowledges as instrumental in her pursuit of spiritual perfection.[68]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) It is a teacher or mentor whose well-being was sought through prayers and boons, specifically for their return to a hermitage and the birth of a son.[69] (2) A Brahmacarin dwells in his house, attends to his business, evokes his affection, and reads intently when summoned.[70]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A spiritual teacher or guide, whose reverence is emphasized in the Bhavishya Purana.[71]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A spiritual teacher responsible for initiating and educating the pupil about spiritual mysteries.[72]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A preceptor or teacher revered for their wisdom and guidance in spiritual matters, as mentioned with regards to Yoga and Sankhya.[73]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) This is a man of Realisation and perfectly unselfish and all-loving; their words are considered an authority.[74] (2) This is a title used to refer to a spiritual teacher or guide who offers guidance and wisdom.[75] (3) Through the Guru's grace, this yearning for something can potentially produce positive results, guiding individuals on their path.[76] (4) A spiritual teacher or guide whose instructions are to be firmly accepted and followed to perceive Reality.[77] (5) A spiritual teacher or mentor who imparts wisdom and guidance to the disciple.[78]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A teacher to whom one is devoted, and whose service is part of the Brahmacarya observance.[79] (2) This is one of the things that shine through Maya, and has been crossed by the speaker, who is secondless, and there is no Guru to the speaker.[80] (3) This is a teacher.[81] (4) The teacher or spiritual guide who shares the knowledge of the partless non-dual essence and helps in realizing it.[82] (5) The spiritual teacher or guide, who enlightens others about the nature of reality.[83]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The spiritual teacher who imparts knowledge of the divine and guides seekers toward understanding the nature of the Lord.[84] (2) A teacher or spiritual guide who imparts knowledge and wisdom about the divine and the Jiva.[85]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A guide or spiritual teacher, with Hari being the sole and only true Guru from whom all knowledge emanates.[86]
From: Prashna Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A teacher or spiritual master whom pupils serve and from whom they seek knowledge and guidance.[87]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The "Gurus" are those who have explained the Upanishads, words, sentences, and kinds of proof, and to whom the speaker bows ever, showing gratitude for their teachings.[88]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Guru is a deity to whom clarified butter oblations are offered; some interpretations suggest 'Guru' should be taken as standing for 'Brihaspati' during the actual offering, showcasing the nuanced understanding.[89] (2) Another term for 'Teacher', whose death leads to a period of impurity that necessitates specific observances.[90] (3) The passage emphasizes the importance of honesty towards one's guru, stating that lying to the guru, even in small matters, can have severe consequences, highlighting the sanctity of the teacher-student relationship.[91] (4) Guru is referenced as the Acarya, and if the pupil performs Antyeshti of his guru, then he is to be impure for ten days; there is purification in a single day for the Guru.[92] (5) The term 'guru' is used in a general sense to encompass superiors, including a father, mother, and specifically a teacher or preceptor.[93]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) Offerings may be required for providing for the worship of these people, along with the Manes and gods, and dependents.[94] (2) Spiritual teachers or mentors whose bed may not be violated according to the religious and social codes.[95] (3) Spiritual guides or teachers in the Hindu tradition, with the teacher considered the chief among them.[96]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Spiritual teachers whose permission is required for a widow to bear a son to her brother-in-law if she has no son of her own.[97] (2) This is a respected teacher, and defiling their bed results in severe penances, such as lying on a heated iron bed.[98]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The Gurus are respectfully saluted, according to seniority, after the completion of certain rituals, as indicated in the provided text.[99]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) Their feet must be embraced every day by a student who has returned home, and also upon meeting them after returning from a journey.[100]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The Guru's mercy is essential for explaining the inner principles relating to the six Lotuses, which are replete with greatness and requires guidance.[101] (2) This person's feet should be devoted to, and the Author means that Siddhi can only be attained by the instructions of this person, as the text describes.[102] (3) The individual whose Lotus feet are served, influencing the Yogi's actions and spiritual progress, allowing them to perceive the form of Mahanada.[103] (4) The spiritual teacher or guide who imparts wisdom about the self and the universe, equated with Parama-Shiva.[104] (5) A teacher or guide in spiritual practices from whom the knowledge and process of Yoga are imparted.[105]
From: Paduka-panchaka (the five-fold footstool)
(1) The text mentions that one should meditate on the Guru, who is Shiva, as being on the lustrous Hamsapitha, which is in the pericarp of the Lotus of twelve letters.[106] (2) The Guru is the subject of meditation, present in the Lotus of a thousand petals, with benevolent features.[107] (3) A spiritual teacher associated with the place within the triangle, critical for understanding complex spiritual concepts.[108] (4) The spiritual teacher or guide, represented in the meditation upon the throne located between Nada and Bindu.[109]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Guru is the teacher and the Teacher of the Ancients is not limited by time, setting the guru apart from ancient teachers who were conditioned by time.[110]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) A spiritual teacher or guide who oversees and instructs Sadhakas in their practices, essential for ensuring the correct application of rituals.[111] (2) A Spiritual Teacher and Director from whom Sadhana and Yoga are learned; considered a manifestation of the Supreme Guru, Ishvara.[112] (3) The teacher whose authority and rituals hold significant importance in the Shakta religion, central to the learning and practice of the sect.[113] (4) A spiritual teacher or guide who imparts wisdom and facilitates the practices of Sadhana for the disciple.[114] (5) A spiritual teacher or guide, pivotal in the transmission of Tantric practices and teachings, essential for a devotee's progress.[115]
From: Tiruvacakam Part I
(1) A teacher or spiritual guide, referred to in the context of revealing divine truths and guiding the faithful.[116]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The teacher responsible for imparting knowledge and performing consecration rituals, holding an esteemed position in the hierarchy of devotion and worship.[117] (2) The spiritual teacher or guide who oversees the worship rituals and the installation of the deity's image.[118] (3) The teacher or spiritual guide responsible for initiating disciples and imparting sacred knowledge.[119]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) A revered master or teacher within the Vastushastra tradition, denoting authority in architectural knowledge.[120] (2) A spiritual guide or teacher in Indian tradition, particularly relevant to the religious aspects of architecture and the construction of temples.[121]
Jain concept of 'Guru'
In Jainism, "Guru" holds multiple meanings. Primarily, it signifies a spiritual teacher like Vira, acknowledged by his disciple Goshala. Additionally, "Guru" represents heaviness, one of the eight touch qualities linked to weight and tactile experience.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) It is the spiritual teacher or guide in whose presence Kamadeva took the twelvefold layman's vows, indicating the importance of guidance in spiritual practice.[122] (2) A teacher whose interpretation of 'aja' was different from Parvata's, teaching the secondary meaning of words.[123] (3) Showing great devotion to these by gifts of food, medicine, clothes, etc., and by making salutation is a sthanaka.[124] (4) Guru describes the quality of being heavy, relating to the tactile experience of touch.[125] (5) Refers to the spiritual teacher in the text; Goshala acknowledges Vira as his own guru, contrasting with his false claims of knowledge.[126]
The concept of Guru in local and regional sources
The text portrays "Guru" as a multifaceted term: a spiritual guide, teacher, and source of wisdom. Gurus are revered, imparting knowledge, guiding spiritual practices, and crucial for enlightenment. They can be individuals like Guru Nanak, or figures like Professor Venkatarangaiya. The Guru-disciple relationship emphasizes devotion, guidance, and the transmission of spiritual influence.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) According to this text, the Guru is the individual through whom one experiences spiritual descent, acting as a channel for spiritual currents and connecting individuals to the broader spiritual world, fostering rapid spiritual growth through intense love and connection with the internal guide.[127] (2) Obedience to this person, along with perfect purity and disinterestedness, are the secret of all success.[128] (3) The text mentions that victory to the him and the Mother of the Universe and may the blessed him be enthroned in your heart.[129] (4) Spiritual preceptor, whose initiation is necessary as it brings one into connection with a great source of power handed down through generations.[130] (5) A spiritual teacher or guide who is to be respected and followed.[131]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The guru, Dilip Kumar Roy, provides guidance to his disciple, Smt. Indira, on her spiritual path, as evidenced by their letters, and emphasizes the need for a guru in fulfilling one's spiritual pilgrimage according to the provided text.[132] (2) Guru refers to a spiritual teacher, and the text emphasizes that resorting to the Guru and seeking his grace is an act very necessary for spiritual life, highlighting the Guru's importance.[133] (3) A competent one is necessary for guidance when practicing special exercises, and Hindu teachers warn learners against practicing without one.[134] (4) It is someone who could try to lead one to the light, but cannot guarantee enlightenment.[135] (5) The middle one, i.e., ‘Yamala’ musician may be taken to represent one kind of ‘Bahya Bahkti’ which consists in this.[136]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) These are individuals whose slightly different teaching styles are provided to show how gurukulas are similar and distinct, according to the provided text.[137] (2) Guru is the Sanskrit name for Jupiter, and the text details the procedure for determining Jupiter's dhruva, involving multiplication by 607 and division by 7200 to find the total number of revolutions.[138] (3) This is the Sanskrit name for the planet Jupiter, and the method for calculating its mean position is provided.[139] (4) The text mentions Guru Nanak as the guru, suggesting a relationship of devotion or discipleship to a spiritual teacher.[140] (5) The guru is a central figure in the tantric practice, with the practitioner forming a bond with the guru as part of the samaya, or tantric bond.[141]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A person who is followed by bhaktas, and Eknath is considered superior to all of them.[142] (2) A teacher who must examine a student before accepting them as a disciple.[143] (3) A teacher to whom obeisance is paid, showing respect and reverence.[144]
From: Gommatsara by Acharya Nemichandra
(1) Guru denotes heaviness, one of the eight touch qualities related to weight.[145]
The concept of Guru in scientific sources
Guru holds multiple meanings. It can refer to the leader of a doomsday cult, a property in Ayurveda describing heaviness, or a term for substances with the "Guru guna." Additionally, it signifies a teacher or spiritual guide and a quality of heaviness impacting treatment.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The guru plays a crucial role in the initiation, selecting the adept, making offerings, and guiding them through the rituals involving the Bala goddess.[146] (2) Guru refers to a spiritual teacher or leader, with Ajali Ai being the mother of the founding Guru, Sri Sri Aniruddhadeva, making her a figure of reverence.[147] (3) A guru is a spiritual teacher or guide, and within ISKCON, there is ongoing debate about whether women can officially be recognized as gurus, especially considering traditional gender roles.[148] (4) The guru assesses an initiate's moral, intellectual, and personal qualities to determine their qualification for further teachings and practices, although even the guru's judgment can be fallible, requiring reliance on Devi for guidance.[149] (5) Mehta rejected the label of ‘guru’, a core Theosophical stance also used by Krishnamurti.[150]
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) The guru of the AUM Shinrikyo doomsday cult had a primary doctor who wrote a letter concerning the use of VX nerve agent.[151]