Guruh - (Guru)

गुरु
(Guru)

There is no equivalent English word for Guru. Guru is not just a Teacher for which the word Aaachaarya would apply.

A Guru is a teacher for one, but He is much more. He is a friend, philosopher and guide. He is mother, father, God and your very Self. Guru is one who teaches and guides. The concept of Guru, I think, came later than the UpaniShads. Even in the Geetaa, no mention is made of Gurugiri. An odd reference to Guru is made in Shloka 43 of Chapter 11 - greatest of Gurus, but no elaboration of what a Guru stands for.

We have Gurukulas, Kulaguru, Shikshaaguru, Deekshaaguru and so on, but Guru is not defined in any scripture to my knowledge.

In Saivism, the Guru is given prominence.

In the Shivageetaa, the Lord Says -

na guroradhikam , na guroradhikam, na guroradhikam , na guroradhikam
Shivashaashanatah, Shivashaashanatah, Shivashaashanatah, Shivashaashanatah

There is nobody greater than a Guru. This is ordained by Shiva. Repeated four times.

Shiva appearing as Dakshinaamoorthy is the first Guru.

Gurugeetha says - Shive rushte Gurustraataa (traataa = protector), Gurau rushte na kashchana.
If Shiva is angry at you, Guru can protect you. If Guru is angry, not even Shiva can help you.

A Jnaanee only qualifies as a Guru. Guru is not a body. Once, I wrote that a Jnaanee is not a body you see. A Guru who is a Jnaanee can, in addition, give a push to the disciple's mind to concentrate and go faster in his saadhanaa. Once, a devotee was singing RamaNa-Sadguru and Ramana joined the singing while keeping time with his hands. The devotee felt amused the Ramana should sing his own praise. RamaNa explained -Why do you see me as a body six feet tall? A Sadguru is beyond your imagination. Hence RamaNa could sing RamaNaguru song. Once, a newcomer to the aashram met him in the aashram and asked where RamaNa is . RamaNa pointed to a big vessel and passed on. Later, when questioned, RamaNa said - No name is inscribed on me. The vessel has the name RamaNa etched on it.