gurus

Gurus refer to spiritual teachers or mentors in several Indian religious traditions, most commonly Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. The term comes from Sanskrit guru, from gu ‘darkness’ and ru ‘remover’, meaning one who dispels darkness or ignorance.

In Hinduism, a guru is a guide on the path of knowledge and spiritual discipline. The guru-disciple relationship, or guru-chela, is central in many lineages, and initiation (diksha) is a key rite that transmits teachings or power from teacher to student. Gurus may belong to a lineage, or parampara, in which teachings are passed through generations. The concept can be broader, encompassing scholarly teachers as well as spiritual instructors who provide instruction, guidance, and practice methods.

In Tibetan Buddhism and other forms, a guru or lama is a realized teacher who transmits rites, meditation instructions, and sacred art. The practice of guru yoga emphasizes devotion to the teacher as a conduit to enlightenment. In Sikhism, the term is used for the ten human Gurus who founded the faith, from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh; after the tenth, the scripture Guru Granth Sahib is regarded as the eternal Guru.

Outside traditional settings, 'guru' is used more broadly for spiritual teachers or leaders in various traditions and the self-help or wellness milieu. The term has also been associated with controversies around prestige, dependence, or abuses of power in some movements, leading to calls for cautious discernment and ethical standards.