Guru is a Sanskrit term for a spiritual teacher, guide, or master in Indian traditions, literally translating to "dispeller of darkness" (gu = darkness, ru = light/remover). So Guru is the one who leads us from darkness to light. Guru is a realized soul and is known as Satguru. (Sat = truth) The Advaita Guru Parampara (successive) beginning from Lord Shiva, is a lineage of enlightened masters who have passed on spiritual knowledge over the millennia. Guru is not to be limited to a person, or even a single person. From a transcendental view, the word Gu represents Gunateetha (beyond gunas) and Ru represents Rupavarjita (beyond all forms). Guru is a principle transcending the gunas and forms. and is non-different from Shiva and our Self. A guru provides spiritual insight, values, and guides students (shishya) towards self-realization, acting as a link to higher knowledge. Guru can also be God. Ek Omkar. God as guru. Guru does not necessarily mean guru in the traditional sense, rather, a person, or persons, who has a quality you aspire to.