Guru Purnima is a day devoted to pay our respect to our spiritual master. Although Guru is a word that is most revered, it is also the most misused word in the modern times and in the postmodern lingo. Guru is a word that is used for teachers and tutors. Teacher imparting any knowledge, may it be yoga, health and fitness tips, management, or meditation is called Guru. Astrologers, fortunetellers are also considered Gurus. Who is Guru?

Guru is not represented by his physical body. He is a channel, a force representing that eternal source of power. He represents his tradition. Guru does not impart knowledge related to mundane worldly affairs or ‘Apara Vidya'. Guru gives the knowledge that helps the student in the path of the ultimate journey that leads to ‘Mukti' or salvation. He imparts the knowledge that helps his disciple to free himself from the bondage of karma....