Literary notes about guru (AI summary)
In literature the word guru is employed to convey both a deeply personal and a broader symbolic dimension. Often it designates a mentor who is intimately connected with divine truth—as when a teacher’s blessed presence offers solace and guidance in moments of despair ([1], [2])—while in other contexts the guru represents an authoritative link to ancient wisdom and mystic tradition ([3], [4]). This dual usage allows the term to capture the transformative relationship between master and disciple, where the guru’s influence is both a source of personal enlightenment and a manifestation of enduring spiritual heritage ([5], [6]).
- A guru must be on intimate terms indeed with the Creator before he can obligate Him to appear!
— from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda - "'My guru, I thank you for coming to banish my long delusion.'
— from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda - Its present text represents a modernised form of that which was known to the commentator Shaḍguruçishya in the twelfth century.
— from A History of Sanskrit Literature by Arthur Anthony Macdonell - " 36-5: param-guru is literally "guru supreme" or "guru beyond," signifying a line or succession of teachers.
— from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda - The eternal bond of guru and disciple that existed between John and Jesus was present also for Babaji and Lahiri Mahasaya.
— from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda - My guru only laughed: "Why not throw the dog a bone?" Sri Yukteswar's health was excellent; I never saw him unwell.
— from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
