essay on importance of guru in your life

Essay on Importance of Guru in Our Life

Students are often asked to write an essay on Importance of Guru in Our Life in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Importance of Guru in Our Life

The role of a guru.

A Guru is a mentor who guides us through life’s journey. They impart knowledge and wisdom, helping us make the right decisions.

Guidance in Education

In education, Gurus play a vital role. They help us understand complex subjects, nurturing our minds for future challenges.

Shaping Our Personality

Gurus also shape our personalities. They instill values, helping us become responsible citizens.

In conclusion, Gurus hold a significant place in our lives. Their teachings and guidance are invaluable, making them an integral part of our growth.

250 Words Essay on Importance of Guru in Our Life

The role of a guru in personal development.

The guru, a mentor or teacher, plays a pivotal role in our lives. They are not just transmitters of knowledge, but also guide us in our personal and professional growth. They shape our perspectives and help us understand the complexities of the world.

Enlightenment through Knowledge

Gurus instill wisdom and knowledge, going beyond textbooks and traditional learning. They provide us with a deeper understanding of subjects, fostering critical thinking and encouraging us to question and explore. This intellectual stimulation is crucial for our growth as informed and enlightened individuals.

Guidance in Life’s Journey

Life is a complex journey filled with challenges. Gurus act as our compass, guiding us through these challenges with their wisdom and experience. They provide moral and ethical guidance, helping us make informed decisions that align with our values.

Character Building

Gurus play a significant role in shaping our character. They instill values such as discipline, perseverance, and respect for others. These values form the foundation of our character and influence our actions and decisions throughout life.

Emotional Support

Gurus often provide emotional support, helping us navigate through emotional turmoil. They teach us resilience, helping us bounce back from failures and setbacks.

In conclusion, the importance of a guru in our lives is immense. They enlighten us with knowledge, guide us through life’s journey, shape our character, and provide emotional support. Their influence extends beyond the classroom, impacting every facet of our lives.

500 Words Essay on Importance of Guru in Our Life

The role of guru in the personal and spiritual development.

In the journey of life, we encounter numerous teachers who impart knowledge and wisdom. However, the term ‘Guru’ holds a profound significance that transcends the conventional understanding of a teacher. A Guru is not merely an educator but a mentor, guide, and philosopher who illuminates the path of life with the light of wisdom.

The Guru-Shishya Tradition

The Guru-Shishya tradition is a unique feature of Indian culture, which emphasizes the relationship between a Guru (teacher) and Shishya (student). This ancient practice is not merely about academic learning but encompasses moral, ethical, and spiritual teachings. The Guru, in this context, is revered as a spiritual guide who helps the student navigate through the complexities of life and attain self-realization.

Importance of Guru in Spiritual Enlightenment

The role of a Guru in spiritual enlightenment is paramount. A Guru helps the disciple to transcend the physical realm and attain a higher state of consciousness. They guide the disciple through the labyrinth of self-doubt, ignorance, and materialistic attachments to reach a state of spiritual awakening. The Guru, through their wisdom and teachings, enables the disciple to understand the true essence of life and their purpose in it.

Guru as a Catalyst for Personal Growth

A Guru plays a pivotal role in personal growth and development. They help in shaping the character, values, and beliefs of the individual. The teachings of a Guru often challenge one’s preconceived notions and encourage introspection, leading to a broader perspective and a more profound understanding of oneself and the world.

Guiding Light in Times of Adversity

Life is fraught with challenges and adversities. In such times, the guidance and wisdom of a Guru can serve as a beacon of hope. A Guru not only provides emotional support but also imparts practical wisdom to deal with hardships. Their teachings instill resilience, patience, and perseverance, enabling the individual to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger.

In conclusion, the role of a Guru in our life is irreplaceable. They act as a lighthouse, guiding us through the tumultuous sea of life. They help us unravel the mysteries of our existence, leading us towards self-realization and spiritual enlightenment. The Guru’s teachings form the bedrock of our character and shape our worldview. Their wisdom and guidance are instrumental in helping us navigate through life’s challenges and attain personal and spiritual growth. Therefore, the importance of a Guru in our life cannot be overstated.

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Essay Curve

Essay on Guru – 10 Lines, 100, 200, 500, 1500 Words

Essay on Guru: A guru is a spiritual teacher or guide who imparts wisdom, knowledge, and guidance to their disciples. In Indian culture, the guru holds a revered and respected position, as they are seen as a source of enlightenment and spiritual growth. In this essay, we will explore the significance of the guru-disciple relationship, the qualities of a true guru, and the impact of having a guru in one’s life. Join me as we delve into the profound teachings and lessons that gurus offer to their followers.

Table of Contents

Guru Essay Writing Tips

1. Start by introducing the concept of a Guru and its significance in various cultures and religions. Explain that a Guru is a spiritual teacher or guide who imparts wisdom, knowledge, and guidance to their disciples.

2. Discuss the qualities of a Guru, such as wisdom, compassion, patience, and selflessness. Explain how these qualities make a Guru an ideal mentor and role model for their followers.

3. Share examples of famous Gurus from history, such as Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh, and Swami Vivekananda. Discuss their teachings, contributions, and impact on society.

4. Explain the importance of having a Guru in one’s life. Discuss how a Guru can help individuals navigate through life’s challenges, find inner peace, and achieve spiritual growth.

5. Share personal anecdotes or experiences of how a Guru has influenced your life or the lives of others. Discuss the lessons learned and the positive impact of having a Guru as a mentor.

6. Discuss the role of a Guru in modern society and how their teachings are still relevant today. Explain how individuals can benefit from seeking guidance from a Guru in a world filled with distractions and uncertainties.

7. Address any criticisms or controversies surrounding the concept of a Guru. Discuss how to differentiate between a true Guru and a false one, and emphasize the importance of discernment and critical thinking when choosing a spiritual teacher.

8. Conclude the essay by summarizing the key points discussed and reiterating the significance of having a Guru in one’s life. Encourage readers to seek out a Guru or spiritual mentor who can help them on their journey towards self-discovery and enlightenment.

By following these writing tips, you can effectively write an essay on Guru and explore the profound impact of spiritual guidance and mentorship in one’s life.

Essay on Guru in 10 Lines – Examples

1. A guru is a spiritual teacher or guide in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Eastern religions. 2. Gurus are seen as enlightened beings who have attained a higher level of spiritual knowledge and wisdom. 3. They are often revered and respected by their followers for their teachings and guidance. 4. Gurus are believed to help their disciples on their spiritual journey and provide them with insight and wisdom. 5. Many gurus have a large following of devotees who seek their guidance and blessings. 6. Gurus may live in ashrams or spiritual communities where they teach and mentor their followers. 7. Some gurus are known for their miracles and supernatural abilities, which further enhances their reputation. 8. Gurus are expected to lead a life of purity and selflessness, serving as an example for their followers. 9. The relationship between a guru and disciple is considered sacred and is based on trust, respect, and devotion. 10. Gurus play a significant role in the spiritual lives of many individuals, offering guidance and support on their path to enlightenment.

Sample Essay on Guru in 100-180 Words

A guru is a spiritual teacher or guide who imparts wisdom, knowledge, and guidance to their disciples. In Hinduism and other Eastern religions, a guru is considered to be a revered and respected figure who helps individuals on their spiritual journey towards enlightenment and self-realization.

Gurus are often seen as enlightened beings who have transcended the limitations of the material world and have a deep understanding of the spiritual realm. They are believed to possess divine knowledge and the ability to lead their followers towards spiritual growth and self-discovery.

The relationship between a guru and their disciple is one of trust, respect, and devotion. The disciple looks to the guru for guidance, wisdom, and inspiration, while the guru provides support, encouragement, and teachings to help the disciple on their path.

Overall, the role of a guru is to help individuals navigate the complexities of life, find inner peace and fulfillment, and ultimately achieve spiritual enlightenment.

Short Essay on Guru in 200-500 Words

A guru is a spiritual teacher or guide who imparts wisdom, knowledge, and guidance to their disciples. The word “guru” is derived from Sanskrit and means “dispeller of darkness.” Gurus are highly revered in many Eastern traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. They are seen as enlightened beings who have attained a deep understanding of the nature of reality and can help others on their spiritual journey.

Gurus play a crucial role in the spiritual development of their disciples. They provide teachings, practices, and guidance that help individuals deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Gurus often challenge their disciples to question their beliefs, overcome their limitations, and strive for self-realization. Through their teachings and example, gurus inspire their followers to cultivate qualities such as compassion, wisdom, and inner peace.

One of the key roles of a guru is to impart spiritual knowledge and wisdom. Gurus often share ancient teachings, scriptures, and practices that have been passed down through generations. They help their disciples understand complex spiritual concepts and apply them to their daily lives. Gurus also serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, encouraging their followers to deepen their spiritual practice and strive for self-improvement.

Gurus also provide guidance and support to their disciples on their spiritual journey. They offer advice, counsel, and encouragement to help individuals navigate the challenges and obstacles they may encounter along the way. Gurus often serve as a mentor and confidant, offering a listening ear and a compassionate heart to those in need. They help their disciples cultivate qualities such as patience, resilience, and humility, which are essential for spiritual growth.

In addition to their role as a teacher and guide, gurus also serve as a spiritual leader and role model. Gurus embody the qualities they teach, such as compassion, wisdom, and selflessness. They inspire their followers through their words and actions, demonstrating the power of spiritual practice and the possibility of self-realization. Gurus often lead by example, showing their disciples how to live a life of integrity, authenticity, and purpose.

Overall, gurus play a vital role in the spiritual development of their disciples. They provide teachings, guidance, and inspiration that help individuals deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Gurus serve as a source of wisdom, support, and inspiration, helping their followers navigate the challenges of life and strive for self-realization. Through their teachings and example, gurus help individuals cultivate qualities such as compassion, wisdom, and inner peace, leading them on a path of spiritual growth and self-discovery.

Essay on Guru in 1000-1500 Words

A guru is a spiritual teacher or guide who imparts wisdom, knowledge, and guidance to their disciples. The concept of a guru has been a fundamental aspect of Indian culture and spirituality for centuries, with gurus playing a central role in the spiritual development and growth of their followers. In this essay, we will explore the significance of a guru in the spiritual journey of an individual, the qualities that make a guru worthy of reverence, and the impact that a guru can have on the lives of their disciples.

The relationship between a guru and their disciple is a sacred and profound one, rooted in trust, respect, and devotion. The guru serves as a beacon of light, guiding the disciple on their spiritual path and helping them navigate the challenges and obstacles that they may encounter along the way. The guru imparts spiritual knowledge and wisdom, helping the disciple deepen their understanding of themselves, their place in the world, and their connection to the divine.

One of the key roles of a guru is to help their disciples cultivate a sense of inner peace, clarity, and purpose. Through their teachings and guidance, the guru helps the disciple develop a deeper awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and actions, enabling them to overcome their ego and connect with their higher self. The guru also helps the disciple cultivate virtues such as compassion, humility, and selflessness, which are essential for spiritual growth and enlightenment.

The relationship between a guru and their disciple is based on mutual respect and trust. The disciple surrenders themselves to the guidance of the guru, trusting that the guru has their best interests at heart and will lead them towards spiritual growth and enlightenment. In return, the guru offers their wisdom, knowledge, and guidance to the disciple, helping them navigate the challenges and obstacles that they may encounter on their spiritual journey.

One of the key qualities that make a guru worthy of reverence is their spiritual knowledge and wisdom. A true guru is someone who has attained a deep understanding of the spiritual teachings and practices of their tradition, and who is able to impart this knowledge to their disciples in a clear and accessible manner. The guru’s wisdom is not just theoretical knowledge, but is rooted in their own direct experience of the divine, which they share with their disciples to help them deepen their own spiritual practice.

Another important quality of a guru is their compassion and empathy towards their disciples. A true guru is someone who genuinely cares for the well-being of their disciples, and who is willing to go to great lengths to help them overcome their obstacles and challenges. The guru offers their unconditional love and support to their disciples, creating a safe and nurturing environment in which the disciple can grow and flourish.

A guru is also someone who embodies the virtues and qualities that they seek to cultivate in their disciples. The guru serves as a role model for their disciples, demonstrating through their own actions and behavior the virtues of compassion, humility, selflessness, and devotion. The guru’s own spiritual practice serves as an inspiration for their disciples, motivating them to deepen their own practice and strive towards spiritual growth and enlightenment.

The impact that a guru can have on the lives of their disciples is profound and transformative. Through their teachings and guidance, the guru helps the disciple overcome their ego and connect with their higher self, leading them towards spiritual growth and enlightenment. The guru also helps the disciple cultivate virtues such as compassion, humility, and selflessness, which are essential for spiritual development.

The relationship between a guru and their disciple is a lifelong journey of growth, learning, and transformation. The disciple learns to surrender themselves to the guidance of the guru, trusting that the guru has their best interests at heart and will lead them towards spiritual growth and enlightenment. The guru, in turn, offers their wisdom, knowledge, and guidance to the disciple, helping them navigate the challenges and obstacles that they may encounter on their spiritual path.

In conclusion, the guru-disciple relationship is a sacred and profound bond that plays a central role in the spiritual development and growth of an individual. The guru serves as a spiritual guide and mentor, offering their wisdom, knowledge, and guidance to help the disciple deepen their understanding of themselves, their place in the world, and their connection to the divine. The qualities that make a guru worthy of reverence include their spiritual knowledge and wisdom, compassion and empathy towards their disciples, and their embodiment of the virtues and qualities that they seek to cultivate in their disciples. The impact that a guru can have on the lives of their disciples is profound and transformative, leading them towards spiritual growth, enlightenment, and a deeper connection to the divine.

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Importance of the Guru in our life

The Guru-Disciple tradition is a unique feature of Bharatiya /Indian culture. My dear friends, today, on the occasion of Gurupournima, let us understand the importance of the Guru in our life.

1. Importance of the Guru and meaning of the word ‘Guru’

The Guru-Disciple tradition is a unique feature of our nation and culture. The Guru is the one who takes out ignorance from us.Our teachers are our Guru. That is why, ‘Teacher’s Day’ should be celebrated on the auspicious day of Gurupournima to offer gratitude at the feet of our teachers. First let us understand the meaning of the word ‘Guru’. ‘Gu’ means ‘darkness’ and ‘ru’ means ‘removal’.Guru is the one who removes the ignorance of disorder from our life and teaches us how to live a blissful life.

2. The three Gurus in our life

Our parents, who inculcate good values in us and help us blend with society are our first Guru !

Our parents teach us everything in our childhood. They make us aware what is right and wrong. They inculcate good habits in us – for example – 1. To wake up early in the morning and and pay obeisance to Mother Earth.To recite the shloka – Karagre Vasate…..

2. Why and how to pay respect to our elders .

3. To recite ‘Shubham karoti’ in the evening. To light a lamp, since the lamp removes darkness.

4. To greet our friends with ‘Namaskar’ (A respectful greeting -joining the palms with the fingertips pointing upwards and held close to the chest), as God is present in every individual.

5. To greet our guests, like God.when they visit us.

Since our parents tell us all these things, they are our first Guru. That is why we must respect and salute them everyday. Now tell me, how many of you touch your parents feet everyday. Now let us resolve that from today on wards we all will salute our parents everyday; this is the real gratitude towards them.

B. Teachers

Our teachers, who teach us so many things to make us better human beings are our second Guru !

Actually, Teacher’s day must be celebrated on the day of Gurupournima. On this day we should bow down in respect to the teachers and ask for their blessings. Our teachers are our Guru and we are disciples. Therefore, we must celebrate Teacher’s Day on this day only.

Our teachers give us knowledge of various subjects. They teach us his story which awakens our patriotism. They give us broad view of life – that we should live for our Nation, not for ourselves. They ask us to sacrifice like the great revolutionaries – Bhagat Singh , Rajguru, Sukhdev etc. who laid their life for the nation. They teach us that “Sacrifice is the base of our life.” Only children who possess the virtue of ‘sacrifice’ can protect the Nation. History decides our ideal leaders, such as  Shivaji Maharaj , Veer Savarkar who possessed the great virtue of ‘sacrifice’. We must follow them.

Our teachers take us to the path of progress by teaching us various subject with an unselfish attitude !

Our teachers teach us various Bharatiya languages and thus awaken our pride of our mother tongue. They also create a liking for the study of our Holy texts like the Ramayan, the Mahabharat, the Dasbodh, etc. Through this, they introduce us to our saints and try to mould us like them. Besides, they also teach us the subjects like social science and economics and make us aware that we owe to the society in which we live. Through Economics, they teach us to earn money by fair means and not by corrupt means. Today we observe that our whole nation is enveloped by corruption. Teachers feel that we should change this sad state of affairs.

Gurupournima is the day to express gratitude towards such great teachers

So my pupil friends, you must have realised that teachers teach us so many values in life and in order to bring them in practice they punish us when required. We should lead an ideal life is the only real motive behind this. Some children make a fun of their teachers. This is a sin. On this day of Gurupournima, we should apologise to them for that and express gratitude for all that they teach us.

C. The Spiritual Guru

The Spiritual Guru reveals to us the true meaning of our life : So far, in this article we have seen about the Gurus who guide us in this material world. Now, let us see about the Spiritual Guru, our third Guru. The Guru appears in everybody’s life, such as Shri Krushna-Arjun, Shri Ramkrushna Paramhansa – Swami Vivekanand , Samarth Ramdas Swam – Shivaji Maharaj is the tradition of Guru-Disciple relationship and is the uniqueness of our nation.

The Spiritual Guru reveals our true identity to us. Owing to ignorance, we are under the false impression that we are just a material body; but in reality, we are not the body, but the soul. It means God Himself resides in us, and does all our actions. However, because of ignorance stemming from our ego, we feel that we are the ones who perform all the actions. Just imagine, will we be able to do anything if our soul is separated from our body? Therefore, God Himself performs all our actions. He digests food. He makes blood. The Spiritual Guru makes us aware of this reality.

A simple way to attain bliss – Removal of personality defects : Because of our ego, we consider ourselves to be different from God. That is why, we are always unhappy in life.So if one wants the Spiritual Guru in one’s life, one must have prayer, gratitude and chanting of God’s name in one’s life.We must express gratitude whenever we undertake any job and pray to the God for doing that job in a better way.In order to acquire the grace of a Guru, everyday we should write down the mistakes that we make and try to find out the root cause behind those mistakes. This will help in quick removal of our personality defects, entrance of God’s qualities and attainment of bliss.

Now, let us express gratitude at God’s feet and pray to Him to help us bring into practice the formula that we understood.

– Shri. Rajendra Pavaskar (Guruji),Panvel.

For information on the spiritual perspective on Gurus and how to serve them please read : The Best Guru And The Best Guruseva

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Guru is a Sanskrit word, which is equivalent to ‘teacher’ in English. It also means master of anyone or many subjects/arts. E.g., if somebody has mastered yoga , he would be called a Yoga-guru. Ramdev Baba and Ayyangar are famous Yoga-gurus.

Meaning of the Word Guru:

The word guru is comprised of two words viz. ‘Gu’ and ‘Ru.’ ‘Gu’ means ‘the darkness’ and the ‘ru’ means ‘the remover.’ Therefore, the meaning of the word guru is “the person who removes the darkness from one’s life.” The word ‘Guruji’ is used to refer to the male teacher as the word sir is used in English. ‘Ji’ is added to the word guru in order to show respect.

In Sanskrit and other Indian languages, the word ‘Ji’ is added after the name or surname of a person in order to show respect. Female spiritual teachers are mainly referred to as Gurumaa or Gurumauli. Some forms of the word guru are also used as names of Hindu gods . E.g., Lord Dattatreya is also referred to as Sadguru or Gurudev. It is also used for the leader of a group. The books are also sometimes called a guru as they teach us many things. Hence, it is clear that it is used for non-living things also.

Mother Nature also teaches us many things; therefore, she is also called a guru. A guru can by anybody. Your mother, father, school teachers, friends, etc. can also be your gurus. There can be more than one guru in a person’s life, but there cannot be more than one spiritual guru. If you want to accept another person as your spiritual guru, you have to leave discipleship of the previous one with his/her permission. Lord Dattatreya is considered the biggest of all gurus.

Importance of Teacher in Hindu Culture:

In Hindu culture, the word guru has a deeper meaning than just a teacher. A guru is considered as next to God and is highly respected. Those who disrespect him are considered uncivilized. Hindus believe that a person’s life is incomplete without a guru. It is very difficult to attain salvation without his guidance. The wife, daughter, and son of the guru are treated like a mother, sister, and brother respectively by his disciples. A true guru not only imparts knowledge to the disciples but also protects and guides them in their lives. Hence, he is also called Gurudev (teacher god) by his disciples.

The following Sanskrit Shloka underlines the importance of teacher in Hindu culture:

गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णू गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरा |

गुरुर साक्षात परब्रह्म, तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः ||

Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gururdevo Maheshwara |

Gurur Sakshaat Parbrahma, Tasmai Shree Gurave Namah ||

The meaning of this mantra is”

Guru is Brahma

Guru is Vishnu

Guru is Lord Shiva

My salutations to him who is the Supreme Soul himself |

Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh are the three most important deities of Hindus. A teacher is considered as equivalent to them. Hence, you can understand the importance of a teacher by this Shloka.

The spiritual teachers are frequently referred to as Sadguru or Jagadguru. The word Sadguru means “Good Teacher” and the word Jagadguru means “the teacher of the world.”

In ancient India, the Gurukul system was practiced for education in which the students had to go to the teacher’s home to acquire knowledge. The homes of the teachers were referred to as Ashramas. The fees for the education, called Gurudakshina, used to be paid at the end of the completion of education. The teachers in ancient times were selfless and knowledgeable. They used to impart knowledge to the students as their duty mainly, instead of cravings for wealth.

Students also had great respect for teachers at that time. A story from Mahabharata would explain this.

Dronacharya was the teacher of the Kauravas and the Pandavas who were princes of Hastinapur. Eklavya was an aboriginal boy. Eklavya was refused to give education by Dronacharya as he was not from the royal family. Then, Eklavya made a statue of Dronacharya and practiced archery and other arts before it. Soon, he pioneered many arts on his own, but he was best at archery.

After the completion of his curriculum, he went to Dronacharya and offered him Gurudakshina. Dronacharya refused it as he did not teach him. Then, Eklavya told him the story about his statue and practice. Dronacharya asked him to display his archery skills and was amazed by it. Eklavya was equivalent to his best student, Arjuna.

Therefore, shrewd Dronacharya asked the thumb of his right hand as Gurudakshina so that Eklavya would not be able to compete with his best student, Arjuna. Eklavya understood the cunningness of the Dronacharya but gave the thumb of his right hand to Dronacharya immediately. Thus, he freed himself from the debt of Guru Dakshina. But this did not affect Eklavya as much as Dronacharya had thought and Eklavya still managed to be one of the best archers of his time.

The moral of the story is the students were ready to sacrifice anything for their teachers.

September 5 th of every year is celebrated as Teacher’s Day in India. All the educational institutions remain closed on this day. Students greet and gift their teachers on this day. They show respect to the teachers by touching their feet.

Guru-Shishya Parampara:

Guru-Shishya Parampara (Teacher-Disciple Tradition) is one of the important aspects of Hinduism . Many important Hindu scriptures like Bhagavad-Gita, Vedas , etc. were preserved in this way. Lord Krishna was the guru of Arjuna. Therefore, he told him Bhagavad-Gita to clear his doubts about war and life.

Some famous Teacher-Disciple duos in Hindu culture:

1. Krishna-Arjuna.

2. Sandipani-Krishna.

3. Vasishtha-Rama.

4. Dronacharya-Arjuna.

5. Dattatreya- Navnath .

Now a day, you would find a spiritual teacher at every corner of India. Most of them use their powers to earn money and fame. It is very difficult to find a genuine guru these days. Those who are really good prefer to stay away from the crowd. But this is the reality of the 21 st century and we have to accept it. If you want knowledge, you have to pay the fees also. Otherwise, you will have to travel to the Himalayas to find a guru.

If you are thinking of spiritual progress, you have to find a good teacher and follow him. There are many Ashramas in India and abroad where you can find a good guru who would guide you on your spiritual path. In India, it is said that when the right time would come, you would definitely find your guru.

The word guru is used in many Bollywood and Hollywood films. A few years back, a Hindi film named ‘Guru’ starring Mithun Chakravarti had been released. The film named ‘Love Guru’ had created controversies for some time in Hollywood.

I am curious to know what Hinduism says about immoral behavior: sexually immoral behavior like promiscuity, transgender stuff, homosexuality. Inasmuch as I give utmost respect to every human being, I do absolutely believe homosexuality is not normal, transgenderism is a huge mistake and wrong, and promiscuity is almost never beneficial. Just looking at human beings it is obvious that a man is made for a woman physically. Our world has gone crazy. Facebook has 71 genders to choose from now!!! That is just not normal. Male and Female. That’s it. So what does Hinduism teach about this and similar topics? I am sincerely curious. Thank you.

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The Importance of the Guru in One’s Life

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The word “Guru” is derived from the Sanskrit language and has a deep spiritual meaning. Its two syllables “Gu” and “Ru” stand for the following: “Gu” denotes the spiritual ignorance of humankind. “Ru” represents the radiance of spiritual knowledge that dispels the spiritual ignorance.

In short, the Guru is the One who dispels the darkness of spiritual ignorance in humanity and bestows upon them spiritual experiences and spiritual knowledge. In man’s ultimate goal for spiritual realization and moksha or the freedom from the bondage of the cycle of birth and death, the role of the Guru in one’s life is essential on this spiritual journey.

The Guru is an expert and one who possesses knowledge of the various scriptures that can answer all man’s problems in daily life. Hence, by tapping into and utilizing this source of wisdom and knowledge, one would be guided on the path to make the right decisions. As one should always in life consult with experts to make proper informed decisions, one can consult the Guru for help in applying solutions to any problem with which one may be confronted.

In Sanatan Dharma, our teachings and principles are further supported by and even practised by the Ultimate Reality. As Hindus, we live our life in accordance with the teachings of the scriptures and follow the perfect example of the perfect master, Shree Ram. In the Ramcharitmanas lies the solution to all of man’s problems. Shree Ram represents perfection and we as imperfect beings striving for perfection should follow that perfect example. In the incarnations of God, we observe that Shree Ram got initiated by Guru Vasistha; when Lord Vishnu incarnated as Krishen Bhagwan, his Guru was Sandeepani and the Guru of the Devas is Guru Brihaspati. Tulsidas in the Ramcharitmanas expounds in great detail on the importance of the guru. He writes that is impossible is for an individual to achieve spiritual enlightenment without the grace of the Guru.

The Guru-shishya tradition is the transmission of teachings from a guru to a “shishya” (disciple). In this relationship, subtle and advanced knowledge is conveyed and received through the student’s respect, commitment, devotion and obedience. The student eventually masters the knowledge that the guru embodies. The dialogue between guru and disciple is a fundamental component of Hinduism, established in the oral traditions of the Upanishads.

Hence by becoming a Guru Bhakt or devoting oneself to the service of the Guru, one can attain great benefits and happiness. Great sages all pay respect to and acknowledge the importance of the Guru. Brahmanand states “It is my great fortune that I found Satguru; all my doubts are removed. I bow before Guru. Guru’s glory is extremely great.” Adi Shankara begins his “Gurustotram” or “Verses to the Guru” with the following Sanskrit Sloka: “Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwara. Guru Sakshath Parambrahma, Tasmai Shri Gurave Namaha”, which translates that Guru is the creator, Brahma, Guru is the preserver, Vishnu, Guru is the destroyer, Shiva. Guru is directly the Supreme Spirit and I offer my salutations to Guru.

Umesh Persad

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