Do you think you can truly be successful without the help of a guru?
Dear Smart Women,
This week instead of running a new article, I wanted to propose an important question for discussion on our blog: “Do you think you can truly be successful without the help of a guru?”
Here is a little history on why I am asking such a question. I do think there is more than one path to success but I found some interesting quotes this week while reading Eat, Pray, Love and I wanted to see what you (other SMART WOMEN) think about this. It caused such a stir inside me when I was reading it, I could not go past the page…
In Eat, Pray, Love Gilbert quotes Gandhi as saying: “That true knowledge is impossible without a Guru.”
Whew. When I read this, I was struck at how powerful a message this is. On one hand, I of course recognize that we do indeed become more knowledgeable from external forces. And then I have mixed feelings because I also believe there is danger in this statement and it may not empower people to seek knowledge from within which is in my opinion where the real knowledge is. People could run with this and put all their growth in the hand of others…What do you think?
To your success,
Sheri McConnell
http://www.smartwomeninstitute.com
Tags: gandhi, guru, Sheri McConnell
April 29th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
I’ve thought lots about this myself. Yes, we absolutely have all the information we need inside, but as humans, we often get in our own way listening and trusting ourselves, or we move into new territory, feel lost, and stop. A guru can help us see our way and move faster.
Last year, I interviewed a few dozen healers for a book, and the only healers who said they didn’t need a thing and were happy (I was not expecting anyone to say that!) had not just one mentor, but 3 or even 4 guru/mentors in their lives.
One for the personal spiritual healing journey: someone they could ask questions about how the universe worked, and why this was happening in their lives. (This is what I do.)
One for their business/practice, for business development, marketing, etc. (This is what you do!)
And the really happy, stable, successful healers had another mentor in one or two areas of specialization, such as the healing technique they used, or a fitness/health trainer/coach.
A good guru, coach or mentor has been where you are. They can see exactly where you are stuck and know several ways you can get unstuck. They help you learn new things faster, and as deeply as if you had figured it out the hard way by doing it yourself.
The middle road is nice, but if you want to SHINE, you can really benefit from a guru. (This is why I’m in your Inner Circle this year!! Stay tuned…)
April 30th, 2010 at 10:33 am
Baeth Davis says:
I absolutely agree. Babies without sufficient human connection and contact die. We learn HOW to REALLY LIVE by learning from others. A REAL guru is enlightened. Being in their presence affects the student and opens new portals of possibility. The trick is to NOT be infatuated with the guru but to let the guru lead you deeper into yourself. Additionally the guru concept is an ancient and deep part of Indian culture. Elizabeth Gilbert describes the guru concept brilliantly in her fantastic best seller, “Eat, Pray, Love” – one of my favorite books of ALL time! Can’t wait to see the movie with Julia Roberts.
April 30th, 2010 at 10:36 am
Laura Berman Fortgang says:
Guru means ‘dispeller of darkness’. I think that helps to realize it’s not about having an ego driven teacher as much as a guide to point you to your own light.
April 30th, 2010 at 10:41 am
Chas Ridley says:
Sheri, sometimes it’s easier for me to sort out what I think or feel or need in a moment by looking at what other people have said or done on the subject or in the situation. My guess is that more often than not what I decide, even on the fly, is influenced by what I’ve read or heard or seen. It’s one reason I pay close attention to who I spend time with (in person or otherwise). I want to be influenced by those I respect, whose lives and work and words make sense to me. In addition, I want my influence on anyone around me to be what I’d want in the world.
I’m not fond of the word “guru,” but I agree with the idea of someone (or multiple someones) to learn from — that we have them and that we are them.
On someone’s comment about paying for a guru, I’ve paid and I’ve not paid for advice and guidance, and will continue to do both. I’ve been paid and been not paid for advice and guidance given and, again, will continue to do both.
The very thought of having to get through life without the advantage of other people’s knowledge and skills and generosity is too horrible to consider.
I say hurray for all who are willing to share what they know. Hurray for each of us when we share. Hurray for a life in which we are able to do these things without having to hide while doing so.
April 30th, 2010 at 11:01 am
Julia K. Cole says:
Guru has gotten a bad name because of all those who took advantage and abused the title and the responsibility.
I feel and believe that we are all in need of a mentor (or guru), someone who is in a position to guide us and provide us with thought provoking information that get us to think for ourselves. Not someone who leads us, but one who AWAKENS us.