Guru Pournima
3rd July 2023
Guru Pournima
A ChatGPT query about the origin of the word ‘Guru’ has given the following result:
_The word "guru" originates from Sanskrit. In Sanskrit, "guru" (गुरु) is derived from two root words: "gu" (गु), which means "darkness" or "ignorance," and "ru" (रु), which means "dispeller" or "remover." *Thus, the literal translation of "guru" is "one who dispels darkness" or "one who removes ignorance."*_
Darkness or ignorance comes in various forms. People need guidance in developing soft skills like improving inter-personal relationships, etiquette, and verbal abilities in addition to understanding the implications of social subjects like finance, history, politics, and economics. These are important in making a well-rounded, balanced, good human being. We further need help in education, sports and in honing any art which we may be endowed with.
Our first Gurus are our parents and other family members. Subconsciously we keep soaking up information on many diverse topics right since birth. As our cognitive abilities mature, we either embrace some of this information or discard it if it does not align with our thought process. Depending on the depth of these family connections we either revere or reject our first Gurus. We get the opportunity of improving ourselves under newer Gurus as we grow.
The original meaning of the word Guru had a philosophical undertone and was traditionally perceived to be spiritual in nature. A Guru is expected to be superior to the student in many diverse ways. The noun ‘Guru’ is now used liberally, and its definition has broadened considerably. As society changes, so does the need of a Guru. Now we have gurus in all aspects of life; spiritual, education, yoga, arts and what have you. This liberal acceptance of Gurus makes a person humble and objective.
We keep learning for our entire lifespan and have different Gurus as per our requirements. However, one must not surrender completely to a Guru as it is fraught with danger. Gurus are also human, and they too have shortcomings or have gaps in their knowledge. They may be highly skilled and knowledgeable in some aspect but would be deficient in others. Very few get tutelage under a Guru like Ramkrishna Paramhans or Ramdas Swami. Okay… these are extreme examples, but it helps in driving home the point. One must choose wisely.
Also, for a guru to be able to make an impact, a willing, talented, and enthusiastic student is vital. Ramakant Achrekar was able to produce only one Sachin Tendulkar. Arguably the likes of Vinod Kambli would have got similar treatment as Tendulkar but could not achieve much. Our personal growth depends on trusting the chosen Guru unconditionally and leading a disciplined lifestyle. We need to be cognisant of our limitations.
A Guru illuminates our path and removes darkness.
We can discover a Guru through the writings of great men and also find our illuminator in mythical figures like Shrikrishna. One must realise one’s shortcomings and choose accordingly.
I take this opportunity to thank my mother, father, siblings, some members of my extended family, wife, daughter, friends, and business colleagues in helping me grow and tackle life as it happens.
I got introduced to running in my early forties and started looking at myself in a different light. I got the opportunity of spending time with people who are better than me in various respects. Many new acquaintances who became the best of friends over time have helped me in myriad ways. I have acknowledged some openly and a few simply know because of intimate bonds developed over time. I would not take any names here. If one keeps an open mind, we can learn time management, humility, discipline, multi-tasking, staying young at heart, art of being optimistic, humour (directed at self and others), fitness, compassion, social awareness and how to nurture friendships on this group.
I express my deep gratitude to all.
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