Do I need a guru?

a true teacher is a great help, especially for deeper practice — but you can begin sincerely right now, with scripture, prayer and good company.

The tradition holds the guru in great honour. In the Gītā, Kṛṣṇa advises approaching the wise with humility, sincere questions and service, for they will teach the truth. Many practices — certain mantras, initiation (dīkṣā), deep meditation — are traditionally passed from teacher to student, and a living teacher can see your blind spots in a way a book cannot.

But there is no need to rush or to accept anyone who asks for money, control or blind obedience. Tradition says that when the student is ready, the teacher appears. Meanwhile, the Gītā, the lives of saints, a regular prayer practice and the company of good people (satsaṅga) are themselves teachers. Many people also regard God, or their iṣṭa-devatā, as their first guru.

Look for someone whose own life shows peace, humility and kindness, who is rooted in a recognised tradition, and who makes you more free, not more dependent.

Source: Bhagavad Gītā 4.34 · Satsaṅga is also a teacher

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