The meaning of guru is more than the literal meaning in any other dictionaries. Guru is a sacred conduit for wisdom and guidance. Having a teacher to guide us in any field is invaluable. Yes, this is true in Spirituality as well.

A Guru is very different to a teacher or a preacher. Guru is a beacon of spiritual light in our world and teaches us, the universal spiritual principles that underlie all religions and cultures.

Guru teaches the “Principles of GOD” in the universe. Guru pervades the entire Universe and is with us at all times during our life and even after we die. Guru stands by us throughout our life and slowly lifts us from our worldly life into a spiritual way of life.

Whichever spiritual path or religion one follows (Path of Devotion, Path of Knowledge, Path of Meditation and Path of Right Action), they all finally lead to the path of grace of the Guru. The Guru is omniscient. The Guru in human form acts as a beacon of spiritual knowledge for humanity and is in total alignment with the Universal Mind and Intellect of God.

The Guru releases one from the bondage of life and death. One cannot reach Sainthood without the grace of the Guru. The Gurustotram by Adi Shankarar describes the Guru as

Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwara. Guru Sakshath Parambrahma, Tasmai Shri Gurave Namaha.

(Guru is the creator Brahma, Guru is the preserver Vishnu, Guru is the destroyer Siva. Guru is directly the supreme spirit — I offer my salutations to this Guru.)