Guru in Sanskrit means teacher. Any teacher—spiritual or secular—is a guru. In Hinduism, a guru is someone who teaches spirituality, initiates you into the spiritual path, or helps you on a spiritual quest. Acharyas are Gurus with extensive scripture knowledge.
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Spiritual teachers believe that human birth is unique and it aims to obtain God or realize one’s atman, which is the same.
Hinduism insists on a teacher for spiritual knowledge and experience.
"Satguru" - The supreme guru
Spiritually, worldly knowledge is lesser, but professors must help students understand it. The objective of life, ultimate spiritual understanding, takes necessary spiritual masters to instruct and assist genuine spiritual searchers.
A great guru would be a Divine (or self-realized) being who knows through experience. Satgurus are such gurus. A Satguru is either God in physical figure or a human with the top level of spiritual understanding who has “obtained” the divine power to communicate his wisdom to sincere seekers who submit to him.
Hinduism believes that God descends to Earth in the physical figure from time – to – time to establish dharma, satisfy the yearning of devoted worshippers, and provide proper spiritual instruction to individuals in a way that fits the time and circumstances.
Satgurus are the Avatar and his closest followers who fully embrace his teachings and are empowered to pass them on. It does not mean that Satgurus always bring avatars.
Gurus may also teach at different levels.
Not all spiritual followers are determined or fit enough to achieve the ultimate aim. Since spiritual attainment is the objective of human life, individuals at different spiritual levels must be guided to the road at different levels of “capacity of intake” and “capacity of assimilation.”
Hinduism is based on reincarnation. Hinduism acknowledges that it may take numerous births to reach the ultimate goal. One of the greatest texts of Hindu spiritual knowledge, Bhagavat Gita, acknowledges this by declaring that just one in a thousand seeks the ultimate and only a few may achieve it.
It also suggests that Satgurus may not always be accessible. People need “less than ideal” masters who can lead the majority.
Hinduism has many gods to worship. Several main schools of philosophy, sects, and sub-sects cater to different religious tastes, traditions, and preferences. Guru’s availability is naturally diverse.
In Hinduism, the “family guru” is the ideal place to start when looking for a guru. A “family guru” is usually (but not always) a “Sanyasi” who descends from the Master-disciple tradition of a Satguru or a renowned spiritual master of the past. These gurus know their God and philosophy. They teach the seeker to worship their sect’s “personal God” and religious practices.
The seeker should trust his teacher, God, and philosophy to avoid distractions and focus on religious advancement.
However, a more inquisitive and adept seeker can ignore such rules. Hindus can choose their gurus based on temperament, taste, and inclination. Hinduism allows a sincere seeker to seek “higher guidance” from multiple gurus based on his progress. However, one should not follow one guru after another due to egotism that defies discipline.
While it is necessary to remain loyal to one’s main guru, one can contact other gurus (called “upa gurus”) with reverence and obtain particular direction in some specific ways of spiritual practice, learn about alternate schools of thought or religious scriptures, get doubts answered, and get advice on any obstacles in the path of advancement.
At an advanced level, even animals, birds, and non-living things can offer the most eager seeker a spiritual lesson or two and are practically his upa-gurus.
Guru devotion is crucial
One side is trusting and surrendering to one guru and progressing. Another side is questioning and examining a guru, surrendering to him, and allowing the guru to reject or accept him. Hindus accept both.
However, if the student is destined to find or surrender to a Satguru, he will guide the learner to the best “personal deity” and school of ideology for him. After that, the student must abandon his ego to his guru and stay faithful, focused, and committed. In truth, the guru finds the student. Even if he was initiated by another guru, a sincere seeker may find a Satguru.
Understanding guru-initiated Diksha
Guru-disciple relationships require guru initiation (Diksha). The guru usually gives a mantra to perform “Diksha.” Gurus deliver sect-specific mantras.
Lord Shiva devotees usually recite a mantra. Vishnu worshippers usually receive the Narayana mantra (or Krishna/Rama mantras).
Even though we know mantras like Om Namah Shivaya and Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya, Gurus usually teach mantras in private. Disciples must keep their mantras confidential.
During mantra initiation, transmits some Prana shakti (vital force). Adding buttermilk to milk makes curd. The disciple’s mantra chanting is like making butter from curd (realizing God).
Gurus plant mantras in disciples. The disciple must raise the seed into a sapling, water it, and protect it until it gives fruit. The disciple must also recite the mantra with dedication, follow the guru’s disciplines, focus on the mantra’s God, and receive spiritual blessings.
Satgurus give “Diksha” in various ways. Satgurus can assess a person’s spiritual capacity, taste, and ability and provide them with the right initiation. A Satguru can introduce a disciple with a touch of the hand (“Hasta Diksha”), a dream (“Swapna Diksha”), eye-to-eye contact (“Nayana Diksha”), or an embrace (“Alingana Diksha”).
A Satguru can choose the disciple’s favorite God form and introduce him to its mantra. He may begin a capable pupil in self-inquiry or devotion to God.
Guidance from the "inner Guru"
A sincere seeker practices religion to realize God, Atman, or Brahman, who is in everyone’s heart. In Hinduism’s “Gyana marga” (way of Knowledge), everyone is God, and the guru removes the veils that make someone falsely connect with the body, mind, intellect, etc., and makes one realize “you are that” (“Tatwamasi”).
It may not be feasible for everyone to meet with the guru, absorb regular lessons, and get doubts resolved. An ardent disciple who lives apart from a guru/Satguru receives spiritual counsel and course correction from his inner heart/sub-conscience, depending on his perseverance and sincerity. The Inner Guru (Anthra Guru) provides guidance.
The Indwelling Guru pulls the disciple’s outward-leaning thoughts within, whereas the exterior guru pushes them inward. “Sachidananda” (Existence-knowledge-bliss, or Godliness) is the external and internal guru.
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