The term “guru” (Sanskrit: गुरु) denotes one who dispels darkness of ignorance and reveals the light of wisdom. In traditional Indian culture, a guru is revered as an embodiment of the divine. One ancient hymn states, “Gurur Brahmā, Gurur Viṣṇu, Gurur Devo Maheśvara… Guru–sakṣāt Parabrahma tasmai śrī gurave namaḥ.”
This means the Guru himself is the Creator, Sustainer, and Destroyer. This gives rise to many meanings to the term, way, and philosophy.
The Guru is verily the supreme transcendent reality. Salutations to that glorious teacher. In short, the guru is not a mere instructor or counsellor. A guru is “a counsellor, a parent of the mind and Self, who helps mold values.” They “reveal the meaning of life”
Guru possesses knowledge and wisdom gleaned through experience and self-realization. Such exalted reverence underscores that a true spiritual guide imparts transformational wisdom. It is not a simple “exchange” of information.
The Guru–Śiṣya Tradition and Dakṣiṇā
Traditionally, the guru–śiṣya (teacher–disciple) relationship is a sacred lineage of learning. A student (śiṣya) approaches the guru with humility and devotion, often offering service and gifts. In the ancient Gurukulas system, disciples lived in the guru’s household, learning by observing the teacher’s life. Central to this tradition is Dakṣiṇā – the offering or fee given to the guru in gratitude. Many modern teachers feel that a disciple should come with humility and devotion. They should also bring a willingness to serve and their arms laden with the best offerings they can make. These offerings (Dakṣiṇā) “have been the dharma of all disciples” since time immemorial. Dakṣiṇā literally means an “offering that establishes knowledge.” It is “an offering made by a student to the teacher.” Through this offering, the student becomes established in the knowledge that has been imparted. The scriptures stress that giving back to the source of knowledge is “paramount on the path to God-realization. In this energy exchange, the student honours the guru’s commitment, and the guru, in turn acknowledges the student’s sincerity.
Despite its ancient sanctity, scholars note that the guru–śiṣya parampara is being ignored today. In modern “success stories”, one rarely hears of a pupil cooking. It is uncommon to see students serving the Guru in the way it was happening earlier in gratitude. The ethos of mutual respect is fading. People often treat the guru more like a 24/7 hotline or life coach. They do not see them as a sacred guide.
Transformational Wisdom versus Transactional Advice
The knowledge a guru imparts is inherently transformational, not a commodity to be dispensed on demand. Modern seekers sometimes forget this. In the marketplace of New Age spirituality, it’s easy to expect instant answers to life’s mysteries – for free. Ironically, most people readily pay attorneys, doctors or life coaches for their labour. Yet they bristle at compensating a spiritual teacher. Spiritual Guides invest time and money to study and practice. spiritual guides also invest years in study and practice. Much like professionals in other fields, they deserve support. “Just as we pay for therapists and should have no objection to paying spiritual practitioners,” the author writes
Moreover, many traditions emphasize an energy exchange. Offering payment or gifts to a teacher is not mere commerce. It is a way of honouring the sacred energy exchanged. When one pays for the spiritual services, one values the energy the practitioner is providing. This creates a balanced, respectful dynamic. Setting a fee also preserves boundaries. Indeed, “free services can sometimes be undervalued or taken for granted”. When guidance is always free, students listen less attentively. They treat the teacher’s time cheaply. A nominal Dakṣiṇā reminds us that the guru’s wisdom is precious.
At the same time, many genuine teachers try to keep their guidance accessible, often offering free satsangs, videos or helplines. This generosity is admirable, but it has led some seekers to assume everything spiritual must be free. For example, one seeker complained about an online teacher’s $300 course fee. They said it shut out many aspirants and “seems contradictory to any and all spiritual principles. She asked: if we believe “we are all one,” why exclude those who can’t pay? Her frustration highlights a tension. Sacred knowledge is not a business, but costs can impact the ideal of universal sharing.
The Cost of Devaluing Sacred Service
Treating spiritual teaching as a free helpline comes with a price – to both teacher and student. Genuine gurus burn out if their counsel is constantly taken for granted. Worse, they feel compelled to commercialize or exploit, tarnishing the purity of the path. When disciples demand freebies, the power dynamic skews. Students remain forever dependent. They never fully commit to the discipline and devotion that enlightenment requires. The very detachment and reverence needed on the spiritual path can be undermined by a consumer mindset.
For the broader culture, devaluing dakṣiṇā and guru service drains the wellspring of wisdom. Our spiritual heritage holds that knowledge is a gift – and gifts without giving lose their meaning.
yasya deve parā bhaktir
yathā deve tathā gurau
tasyaite kathitā hy arthāḥ
prakāśante mahātmanaḥ
Only those great souls who have implicit faith in both the Divineand the spiritual master will understand all the imports of True knowledge. These imports will be revealed to them. This revelation happens automatically. (Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad 6.23) It is further stated, tuṣyeyaṁ sarva-bhūtātmā guru-śuśrūṣayā and taranty añjo bhavārṇavam. Simply by rendering service to the spiritual master, one crosses the ocean of nescience and returns home, back to divinity. Thus, he gradually sees the Supreme Divine within himself and face the Divine as Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent.
The ultimate goal of yoga is to come in contact with the Supreme Personality of Divinity. Unless this point is achieved, one’s so-called yoga practice is simply labour without any benefit. Conversely, when we restore respect for dakṣiṇā and recognize the labour of spiritual guides, the lineage is kept alive and our own faith deepens.
It’s time to rekindle the balance between devotion and discernment. We can do so by remembering that gratitude is part of the path. Whenever a guru imparts a teaching or offers healing, we offer something in return – whether time, care, material support or sincere service – as a symbol of appreciation. This does not mean spirituality is an expensive luxury. Many gurus themselves offer free or donation-based programs for the needy. The key is intention and respect. A responsible disciple treats the teacher’s insight as priceless, willingly dakṣiṇā in whatever measure one can, so that the bond of trust and honor is maintained.
Likewise, spiritual teachers can help. By clearly communicating offerings and maintaining ethical standards, they protect the sanctity of their service. Hosting open satsangs or sliding-scale classes can help those of lesser means, while still encouraging heartfelt contributions. In all cases, a transparent energy exchange ensures that both guru and disciple are invested: the teacher is free to teach without resentfulness, and the student engages more deeply knowing this wisdom is not “merely free.”
In the end, restoring mutual respect heals a growing contradiction. If we seek transformation, let us recognize that real wisdom requires commitment – not bargaining. The guru’s role is sacred; let us honor it as such. Only then can we keep the flame of the guru–śiṣya tradition alive in our time, and allow its light to guide sincere seekers without dimming it to a mere helpline.
~ Sri Adi Maitreya Rudrabhayananda ji (Sri AMaRa ji)
Soul Searchers intends to raise the consciousness of 20 million people. It aims to help create a turning point on this planet. It envisions a world where people are in tune with their inner selves. They will live healthy and creative lives. They will no longer be swayed by religious dogma or politics. The purpose is to restore the state of righteousness (dharma). This is crucial in the current state of political turmoil. It also addresses selfishly motivated people. We believe the truth can be known and realized through guided and workable ways.
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Maitreya Wisdom 