Guru is a noun that refers to a person who is regarded as an expert or a teacher in a particular field, often associated with spiritual or religious knowledge. The term originates from Sanskrit, where 'gu' means darkness and 'ru' means remover, emphasizing the guru's role in dispelling ignorance and guiding individuals towards enlightenment. Generally, a guru is someone who has attained a high level of mastery, understanding, and wisdom in their chosen field, be it religious, spiritual, philosophical, or even in secular subjects like business or self-help.
In many Eastern traditions, a guru is considered a spiritual leader, guide, or mentor who imparts profound knowledge, teachings, and guidance to disciples or followers on their spiritual journey. The relationship between a guru and a disciple is often characterized by devotion, respect, and a sense of surrender, with the disciple seeking to learn and emulate the guru's teachings and principles.
The guru is seen as the source of inspiration, spiritual insights, and enlightenment, guiding followers towards self-realization, liberation, or any stated goal in the particular tradition. However, in contemporary Western contexts, the term guru is sometimes used more broadly and metaphorically to describe experts or influential figures in fields like leadership, personal development, or even popular culture, who inspire and guide others to achieve success or well-being in various aspects of life.
