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| The word '''guru''' literally means ''teacher'' in ] and ], and is a title of reverance used to address spiritual teachers or personal mentors in ]. | The word '''guru''' literally means ''teacher'' in ] and ], and is a title of reverance used to address spiritual teachers or personal mentors in ]. In this sense, ''guru'' is used more or less interchangably with ''satguru'' (literally: ''teacher of truth''). Compare also ]. | ||
| 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 (e.g. ]), who used Hindu terminonlogy without having much else in common with mainstream Hinduism. | 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 (e.g. ]), who used Hindu terminonlogy without having much else in common with mainstream Hinduism. | ||
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| The term '''guru''' has since passed into wider ] use. | The term '''guru''' has since passed into wider ]ical use. | ||
| In ], Guru is an exprt. Implies not only ''']''' 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 '']''. (The definition is from ]) | In ], Guru is an exprt. Implies not only ''']''' 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 ''] guru''. (The definition is from ].) | ||
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Revision as of 22:18, 21 February 2003
The word guru literally means teacher in Hindi and Sanskrit, 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 interchangably with satguru (literally: teacher of truth). Compare also Swami.
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 (e.g. Osho), who used Hindu terminonlogy without having much else in common with mainstream Hinduism.
Guru is also the Sanskrit name of the planet Jupiter, which in astrology is believed to exert teaching influences.
The term guru has since passed into wider metaphorical use. In hacker culture, Guru is an exprt. 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 a 1990s alternative rapper named Guru, which see for more information.