Gurudeva, Guru-deva: 6 definitions
Introduction:
Gurudeva means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Hinduism
Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma)
Gurudeva (गुरुदेव) refers to:—A title by which disciples refer to and address their guru. (cf. Glossary page from Śrī Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta).
Vaishnava (वैष्णव, vaiṣṇava) or vaishnavism (vaiṣṇavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
1) Gurudeva (गुरुदेव) refers to the “teacher”, according to Tantric texts such as the Kubjikāmata-tantra, the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult.—[...] It is by means of power that one understands the transmission (krama). By means of the transmission one understand Speech and by Speech the Command is set into operation. Some part of the teacher's Command is transmitted (to the disciple) with the same feeling (bhāva) with which he serves the teacher (gurudeva).
2) Gurudeva (गुरुदेव) refers to the “teacher and god”, according to the Jayadrathayāmala verse 1.14.23-24.—Accordingly, “Devoted to the teacher, god and fire [i.e., gurudeva—gurudevāgnibhakta], expert in mantra and ritual (tantra), endowed with knowledge and wisdom, one who praises (the observance of) vows and Tantric practice (caryā) resides in the sacred seat of the great Bhairava, his form fashioned from energies (kalā). His mind intent on (the practice of) that Yoga, he impels the sacred seat of mantras”.
Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.
Yoga (school of philosophy)
Gurudeva (गुरुदेव) refers to the “god who is the guru”, according to the Amanaska Yoga treatise dealing with meditation, absorption, yogic powers and liberation.—Accordingly, as Īśvara says to Vāmadeva: “[...] You [should] serve continually the one and only Guru to obtain that [no-mind state] whose nature is innate, on the arising of which, the breath, mighty [though it is], instantly disappears by itself. The guru is Brahmā, the guru is Viṣṇu, the guru is the god, Śiva. There is nothing higher than the god who is the guru (gurudeva). Therefore, revere [him] always. [...]”.
Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as āsanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Gurudeva (गुरुदेव) is the name of a Buddha under whom Śākyamuni (or Gautama, ‘the historical Buddha’) acquired merit along the first through nine bhūmis, according to the Mahāvastu. There are in total ten bhūmis representing the ten stages of the Bodhisattva’s path towards enlightenment.
Gurudeva is but one among the 500 Buddhas enumerated in the Mahāvastu during a conversation between Mahākātyāyana and Mahākāśyapa, both principle disciples of Gautama Buddha. The Mahāvastu is an important text of the Lokottaravāda school of buddhism, dating from the 2nd century BCE.
Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit dictionary
Gurudeva (गुरुदेव).—name of a former Buddha: Mahāvastu i.141.12.
Gurudeva (गुरुदेव) as mentioned in Aufrecht’s Catalogus Catalogorum:—Vīraśaivapradīpikā. Rice. 322.
Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Gurudevashtaka, Gurudevasvamin, Gurudevata.
Full-text: Gurudevasvamin, Virashaivapradipika, Sayana, Brahma-muhurta, Bhutashuddhi, Tulasi.
Relevant text
Search found 37 books and stories containing Gurudeva, Guru-deva; (plurals include: Gurudevas, devas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Garga Samhita (English) (by Danavir Goswami)
Verse 8.10.3 < [Chapter 10 - The Paddhati and Paṭala of Lord Balarāma]
Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure) (by Swami Bhaktivedanta Madhava Maharaja)
A Brief History (Intrview at the Śrī Rādhā-rāmaṇa Temple) < [Chapter 2.8 - Our Lasting Relationship]
Bhāvas and Rasas < [Chapter 2.12 - Early ISKCON Conversations with Śrīla Gurudeva]
Remembering Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes and serving in separation < [Chapter 2.12 - Early ISKCON Conversations with Śrīla Gurudeva]
A True Servant—A True Master (by Swami Bhaktivedanta Madhava Maharaja)
Letter 83 - The mercy of Guru,...
Letter 74 - The meaning of the word “Mā”,...
Letter 53 - Finding peace by envisioning Śrī Guru and Vaiṣṇavas,...
Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary) (by Śrī Śrīmad Bhaktivedānta Nārāyana Gosvāmī Mahārāja)
Verse 2.4.4 < [Chapter 4 - Vaikuṇṭha (the spiritual world)]
Verse 2.1.192 < [Chapter 1 - Vairāgya (renunciation)]
Verse 2.1.190 < [Chapter 1 - Vairāgya (renunciation)]
Brahma Samhita (Jiva Goswami commentary) (by Srila Narayana Maharaja)
Preksha meditation: History and Methods (by Samani Pratibha Pragya)
Bibliography III: Other Literature
10. Outline of the Chapters of the Thesis < [Chapter 1 - Introduction]
2. Other Contributors to Modern Jaina Meditation < [Chapter 5 - Other Modern Forms of Jaina Meditation]