What does 'Satguru' mean?

What is Satguru?
Source: Sabine Schulte

So, first off, when we talk about Satguru in yoga, we’re talking about a spiritual teacher or guide who helps you on your journey towards enlightenment or self-realization. Think of them like a guru on steroids; they’ve got that extra level of wisdom and insight that you need to take your practice to the next level.

Now, here’s the thing: finding a Satguru is no easy task. You can’t just swipe right on Tinder and hope to match with one. It’s a bit more complicated than that. You’ve got to do your research, attend spiritual retreats, and maybe even go on a vision quest or two to find the right one for you.

But, once you do find your Satguru, it’s like finding the holy grail of yoga. They’ll guide you through all the ups and downs of your practice, offer insights you never would have thought of on your own, and help you break through any plateaus or obstacles that might be holding you back.

So, if you’re serious about your yoga practice and you’re ready to take it to the next level, then finding a Satguru might just be the ticket. Just be prepared to put in the work to find the right one for you—it’s not going to be easy, but it’ll be totally worth it in the end.

More information

In Sanskrit, “Sat” means truth, and “Guru” means teacher. So, a Satguru is essentially a teacher who guides you towards the truth or realization of the true nature of reality. In the yogic tradition, the Satguru is seen as the highest form of spiritual teacher, as they have attained a level of spiritual realization that allows them to guide others towards the same goal.

The relationship between a student and Satguru is often seen as a very intimate and personal one. The Satguru is not just a teacher but also a mentor, confidant, and spiritual guide. They provide individualized instruction and guidance and may even assign specific practices or disciplines for the student to follow.

One important aspect of the Satguru-student relationship is the concept of transmission. In yoga, it’s believed that the Satguru has the ability to transmit their spiritual energy, or “shakti,” to their students, which can help awaken dormant spiritual potential within them. This is often referred to as “shaktipat” and is considered a powerful tool for spiritual transformation.

In summary, a Satguru in yoga is a highly advanced spiritual teacher who guides students towards self-realization and the truth of reality. They provide individualized instruction, spiritual guidance, and may even transmit spiritual energy to their students. Finding a Satguru requires dedication, research, and a strong commitment to the yogic path.