What Is a Hindu Guru?

Let us take a look at what it means to be a guru and actually what type of people are allowed to be defined as one.

In general, the word "guru" has come to take on the meaning of a teacher or someone who guides somebody. However, the founding definition on which many Hindus rely is much more than that.

They believe that a guru is someone who has overcome all ignorance. A quotation that sums up what the role of a guru was said by Guru Nanak, when he stated that

"Even if a thousand suns and moons rose, they would be unable to remove the darkness of ignorance within the heart. This can only be removed through the grace of a Guru."

Coming to understand what his quotation means is part of overcoming ignorance of the heart, and we certainly cannot claim that we are so great that we can do that. However, we can offer some interpretations into what that means.

In the sense of a religion, overcoming "ignorance within the heart" could very well mean getting to truly understand the supreme being of that religion. People often interpret religion in many different ways, some of which lead to cruel acts of destruction. However, coming to truly understand religion would mean breaking down those walls.

Types of Gurus

Throughout the history of Hinduism, several different types of gurus have been defined. Looking at the different definitions and types will certainly give you a better understanding of what it means to be a guru.

• Sometimes a guru will be manifested in the form of a book. You could think of a book like this as a guiding principle for overcoming ignorance.
• Some gurus consider themselves to be instruments of God or even an incarnation of God. When we talk about religions that do not believe in the monotheistic God of Abraham, we might find that they consider themselves incarnations or instruments of the gods or goddesses in which they believe.
• Other gurus are referred to as "enlightened masters" because they come to their realizations through their own experiences, and not because they are representations of a higher force.
• In Hinduism, you will find gurus who act as spiritual advisors. They are not priests; they do their work outside of the purely religious scene and focus more on the spiritual elements.

Importance of Gurus

The Hindu faith holds the gurus in high regard. One of the most important Hindu texts is entitled Bhagavad Gita and it chronicles a dialogue between God and a man. In the conversation, the importance of finding a guru is emphasized; therefore, Hindus believe that finding a guru is very important.

Some sects of Hinduism believe that finding a guru is essential to their religious lives. Of course, you cannot just stumble upon a guru. The person needs to be a very special person, held high in the regards of Hindus.

You might not understand the search for a guru. However, stop and think about your own faith. What are the guiding principles? What elements are most important? Slowly, you will begin to see how all religions have their most important elements.