Philosophy & Concepts

Guruगुरु

A spiritual teacher who dispels the darkness of ignorance and guides the disciple toward knowledge and liberation.

Detailed Explanation

The word guru is traditionally explained as gu (darkness) and ru (remover) — one who removes the darkness of ignorance. In Hindu tradition the guru transmits sacred knowledge, mantras, and practice (sadhana) to a qualified disciple (shishya), often through formal initiation. The guru-shishya parampara (teacher-student lineage) is the means by which scriptures, mantras, and techniques have been preserved and passed down across generations.

Related Terms

Mantraमंत्र

A sacred sound, syllable, or phrase used in meditation and worship.

Sadhanaसाधना

Disciplined, regular spiritual practice undertaken to reach a defined spiritual goal.

Samskaraसंस्कार

A Hindu rite of passage that sanctifies a stage of life, traditionally counted as sixteen from conception to the funeral.