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Revision as of 18:46, 15 February 2004 editAndries (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers27,090 edits David Lane -> David C. Lane← Previous edit Revision as of 19:37, 16 February 2004 edit undoAndries (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers27,090 edits Followers will see guru as prophet, saint or avatarNext edit →
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The word '''''guru''''' means ''teacher'' in ] and other Sanskrit-derived languages like ], ] and ] but literally comes from the ] "gu" and "ru" where "gu" means darkness and "ru" means the act of removal so it is used for a teacher, someone who dispels darkness (ignorance) of the mind (person) and is a title of reverance used to address spiritual teachers or personal mentors in ]. In this sense, ''guru'' is used more or less interchangeably with ''satguru'' (literally: ''teacher of truth''). Compare also ]. The word '''''guru''''' means ''teacher'' in ] and other Sanskrit-derived languages like ], ] and ] but literally comes from the ] "gu" and "ru" where "gu" means darkness and "ru" means the act of removal so it is used for a teacher, someone who dispels darkness (ignorance) of the mind (person) and is a title of reverance used to address spiritual teachers or personal mentors in ]. In this sense, ''guru'' is used more or less interchangeably with ''satguru'' (literally: ''teacher of truth''). Compare also ].


Occasionally, in more recent usage of the word ''guru'', it means anyone who makes ] or ] statements independent of an established school of ] or ] and attracts and accepts followers because of this. Sometimes Christians use the word guru as a pejorative label. On the other hand some Christian scholars, like the Dutch ] Reendert Kranenborg, accept the word guru for ]. Occasionally, in more recent usage of the word ''guru'', it means anyone who makes ] or ] statements independent of an established school of ] or ] and attracts and accepts followers because of this. Sometimes Christians use the word guru as a pejorative label. On the other hand, some Christian scholars, like the Dutch ] Reendert Kranenborg, accept the word guru for ]. Often, dependent on the teachings of the guru, the followers will see the guru as a ], ] or ].


The word has acquired a negative connotation in western countries, likely due to the prominence of several self-proclaimed "gurus" in the US during the ] and ] "]" movement (see e.g. ]), who used Hindu terminology without having much else in common with mainstream Hinduism. But also due to more traditional gurus who didn’t practise what they preached especially with regards to ] and luxury. Some gurus are ], ] or ] leaders or a combination of this. The word has acquired a negative connotation in western countries, likely due to the prominence of several self-proclaimed "gurus" in the US during the ] and ] "]" movement (see e.g. ]), who used Hindu terminology without having much else in common with mainstream Hinduism. But also due to more traditional gurus who didn’t practise what they preached especially with regards to ] and luxury. Some gurus are ], ] or ] leaders or a combination of this.

Revision as of 19:37, 16 February 2004


The word guru means teacher in Sanskrit and other Sanskrit-derived languages like Hindi, Bengali and Gujurati but literally comes from the aksharas "gu" and "ru" where "gu" means darkness and "ru" means the act of removal so it is used for a teacher, someone who dispels darkness (ignorance) of the mind (person) and is a title of reverance used to address spiritual teachers or personal mentors in Hinduism. In this sense, guru is used more or less interchangeably with satguru (literally: teacher of truth). Compare also Swami.

Occasionally, in more recent usage of the word guru, it means anyone who makes philosophical or religious statements independent of an established school of philosophy or religion and attracts and accepts followers because of this. Sometimes Christians use the word guru as a pejorative label. On the other hand, some Christian scholars, like the Dutch theologian Reendert Kranenborg, accept the word guru for Jesus. Often, dependent on the teachings of the guru, the followers will see the guru as a prophet, saint or avatar.

The word has acquired a negative connotation in western countries, likely due to the prominence of several self-proclaimed "gurus" in the US during the 1960s and 1970s "New Age" movement (see e.g. Osho), who used Hindu terminology without having much else in common with mainstream Hinduism. But also due to more traditional gurus who didn’t practise what they preached especially with regards to celibacy and luxury. Some gurus are charlatans, self deceived or cult leaders or a combination of this.

The British psychiatry professor Anthony Storr argues in his book 'Feet of clay - A Study of gurus' that gurus share common character traits (e.g. being loners without friends) and that some suffer from a mild form of schizophrenia. The scholar David C. Lane wrote that a charlatan who cons people is not as dangerous as a guru who really believes in his delusions.

Guru is also the Sanskrit name of the planet Jupiter, which in vedic astrology is believed to exert teaching influences.

See also Contemporary Hindu Movements.

Incomplete list of gurus

External Links

The term guru has since passed into wider metaphorical use. In hacker culture, Guru is an expert. Implies not only wizard but also a history of being a knowledge resource for others. Less often, used (with a qualifer) for other experts on other systems, as in VMS guru. (The definition is from Jargon file.)

There is also a 1990s alternative rapper named Guru.