Teachers

• What are gurus

  • Gurus are holy people , usually men who have reached enlightenment
  • They spend their life teaching others how to find self-realisation 
  • ‘Gu’ means darkness and ‘ru’ means light - A guru leads people from spiritual darkness to light (enlightenment)
  • Some Hindus consult their guru about what actions they should take because the guru is thought to have knowledge that no ordinary human understands 
  • They may pass on this knowledge by darshan or a ‘gracious glance’ as the disciple sits at their feet
• ThIngs gurus must have / be

  • Be well-versed in scripture 
  • Know about Brahman 
  • Have overcome all human desires 
  • Be honest , sincere and trustworthy
• What is a Sadhu

  • A Hindu teacher or wandering holy man  
  • A well known feature of the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage  
  • They come from all over India and lead pilgrims into the water 
• What is a Sannayasin

  • Someone who has reached the last stage of life and has decided to give up all their possessions and contact with family 
  • They carry only a begging bowl , a stick and prayer beads 
  • They are treated with great respect because of their example of simplicity , prayer and meditation
• What is a Swami

  • A Hindu holy man especially well known for his teaching of scripture 
  • Swamis are ascetic and belong to a religious order (a group of followers of a particularly well known religious teacher) 
• Gurus and women

  • Traditionally gurus were men , however some women have become gurus 
  • The most well known female guru is Mata Amritanandamayi , known as Amma
• Sathya Sai Baba

  • Some people have considered guru Sathya Sai Baba to be an avatar of Shiva 
  • For over 50 years he taught Hindus and others the way to moksha at his ashram (holy house where a guru teaches) in India