Today Guru is a synonym for mentor, guide, expert or master.

In Vedic texts, a Guru is more than a teacher. Guru is a reverential figure to the shishya (disciples).

The word Guru is profound and comes from Sanskrit words 'Gu' which means darkness and 'Ru' which means the one who removes. Thus Guru means dispeller of darkness.

In Guru stotram, Guru is described as the representative of 'Bhrama', the creator. 'Vishnu', the preserver and Shiva who is the destroyer.

What does Guru destroys?

He/ She destroys  ignorance, doubt, erroneous perspective, negligence, being influenced by others and limitations of the sense organs of shishyas. Guides them  to the supreme knowledge of that which prevades in all living and non living which is Brahman, the vast and unlimited

knowledge.

It is commonly said that life is a university and experiences are your Guru.

There is another perspective to this idea that what you learn from an experience depends upon your own individual perspective and limitations. Guru helps you to shift your gaze and removes  your weil of  darkness.

Even the Bhagwat Gita is a dialogue between Krishna ( Guru ) and Arjuna the shishya.

That is why in Indian tradition, Guru is the highest deity.

On the auspicious occasion of Guru purnima, my salutation to the Lotus feet of that glorious Gurudev.

I bow to my revered Guru who introduced me to vedanta and helping me to explore like a toddler.

Illustration by Shruti Kapoor