Gu- ignorance:  ru- one who removes the darkness. A guru is one that removes the darkness of ignorance.  A guru can be anyone; family, friends or even strangers who illuminate our lives and dispel the darkness of ignorance.  It is said that a guru appears when a disciple (shishya) is ready.  To realize the guru your heart must remain open, otherwise you may pass on by missing what is there directly in front of you.  Never search or carry preconceptions of finding a Master because this will make the task of connecting with him more difficult.

The guru understands the students while students begin to understand and study the guru.  Slowly through the maturity of wisdom (prajna) they will explore together. The guru must bring himself to the same level as his students and then begin to lift the students by example, through stories and practice (sadhana).

One must have the thirst for the experience to be able to move from darkness to light.