I’ve seen a fairly wide variety of ideas on this, and am wondering how the Hindus on here differ. Also, by sharing what we do know about it, perhaps the people of other faiths who can read the thread will be cleared of some misconceptions.
In your view, what is a Guru? What does being a Guru entail?
Shantanu:
A Guru is someone who teaches religion and philosophy. He has to have studied the scriptures that are the basis of his or her teachings. He or she teaches because they are compelled by an inner force to impart wisdom upon humanity in order to take human beings on the road to salvation and ameliorate their suffering brought on by ignorance.
ajay0:
A Guru helps to remove unconsciousness generated by desires in the form of cravings and aversions, and helps to bring the disciple to present moment awareness or pure consciousness.
Aupmanyav:
I prefer dead gurus, whose history is well-known. They are safer. Buddha and Sankra are my gurus. For a living guru, I will have to check all their sayings and their antecedents. They may impress one with their looks, their long shoulder-length hair, flowing beards, their robes and their smiles. I would be wary of a smiling guru. What are they leering at? At my foolishness, my vulnerability? That how easily he/she can fool me?
ManSinha:
My idea of a Guru – total and complete – a role model in every way – and he still will answer the seeker’s questions if asked.
Marcion:
In Ananda Marga the Guru was in a living body until 1990. The Guru was the same personality as the Ista Deva and preceptor of Ananda Marga.
The Guru told on several occasions that He was not only his personality or body and that He could not be with them in that way for always.
He also taught that only God (the Supreme Consciousness of Highest Self) was the real Guru and that He was teaching through different organisations besides AMPS (in the philosophy everyone is seen as moving along the path of anandam/bliss and everyone has a relationship with that Supreme Consciousness). I had the chance to have darshan with Him on a number of occasions and even personal contact (in Chennai and Calcutta).