“Guru” - An Updated Explanation

Guru/ਗੁਰੂ

Guru, pronounced gu-du, the first syllable is a short sound “goo” and the second is pronounced by touching the tip of the tongue to the roof of the mouth, similar to the “d” sound or “do”.

“Gu" represents darkness and "Ru" represents light.

Guru then means from darkness to light, and is thus used to refer to one who enlightens, a great teacher.

Although we use the term Guru in pop culture and it arises often in mantra, in kundalini yoga, “guru” does not refer to a particular individual, instead its often referring to either the teacher within or to Wahe Guru which is understood in Sikhi to be the creator present in all creation, i.e. god, the ultimate teacher, etc.

That said, the purpose of a teacher, a guru, is as a guide to introduce you to that inner teacher. The wisdom therein should be followed, not the individual personality of the teacher.

Through sincere effort we awaken from the deep sleep of ignorance with the guidance of a teacher/guide who has gone through the experience themselves.

Thus our goal as a person is to recognize and live as enlightened beings by the wisdom and guidance of that teacher within.