By Acharya Prashant
Before seeking the teacher, we must ask a deeper question: Who are we? A teacher, or Guru, doesn’t show up unless there is a student – a seeker, someone lost in life’s complexities, yearning for clarity. The word Guru translates to “the one who dispels darkness.” But what is this darkness? It’s not just ignorance of school subjects – it’s the hollow sense within us that something is missing. We spend our lives trying to fill this void with success, relationships, pleasures, or information. And yet, the thirst remains.
This is where the real teacher becomes essential – not a person who merely informs, but one who transforms. The Guru is the guiding voice of clarity that pulls you out of confusion and takes you closer to truth.
Not all teachers wear a robe
A real teacher doesn’t always stand in front of a blackboard. In fact, the Guru doesn’t even have to be a person. He could appear as a moment of silence, a line from a book, a difficult experience, or even your own conscience whispering truth.
What sets a true teacher apart is not the form, but the function – awakening your inner intelligence. He guides not with facts but with presence. Not to make you dependent on him, but to help you stand on your own.
Inner education vs. outer instruction
Most of our education teaches us how to survive in the world. But a true Guru educates us on how to live with awareness. He is not interested in making us scholars, but seekers – students of life’s ultimate truth.
This education goes beyond grades and achievements. It teaches you to look inward, to let go of ego, and to question everything you thought you knew. In this curriculum, silence is more powerful than speech, and letting go is more valuable than acquiring.
We are creatures of habit. We believe only what we can see and touch. So the Guru often appears in human form – as someone you can talk to, listen to, or even resist. But the real purpose of this form is to eventually help you go beyond form.
The Guru appears as a person so he can reach you. But his real aim is to connect you with something deeper – the part of you that’s already awake but forgotten.
The sacred role of a real teacher
A true teacher walks with you only until you can walk alone. He will challenge you, comfort you, confuse you – all with one goal: to liberate you from illusion.
When you become too attached to the teacher himself, he will withdraw. Why? Because his role was never to become your crutch, but your mirror. In doing so, he plays a sacred yet thankless role: showing up only to help you eventually outgrow him.
What we celebrate on Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is not just about worshiping a person. It’s a moment to bow in gratitude to that force – in whatever form it came – that pulled you out of ignorance. It’s a celebration of education in its highest form: the education that brings liberation.
So this Guru Purnima, don’t just light a lamp. Instead, ask: Who was the real teacher in my life’s education? And more importantly – what did I learn from them that no book ever taught me?
The author is a vedanta exegete and philosopher.
Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of FinancialExpress.com. Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.