That’s the same principle that applies to all gurus. They help you find the road that you wandered away from, and can only help you bring forth what is already inside you. In the end, it’s really about you, and the guru is just your coach in the process.

Parents and teachers are our gurus in this sense. Some of our friends would also qualify.

When you read or hear an item that appears to have taught you something (like the Ram Dass book mentioned in this post), all that’s really happened is that a truth you already believed in has surfaced for a few moments.

Our goal is to surface these truths as often as possible and for as long as possible. Enlightenment is a state where you get to be in that place all the time.

A guru is very important when you’re starting out or need reinforcement. But the goal is to be self-sufficient.

I would not denigrate another guru or others’ use of gurus. It’s a little egotistical to do that because the implication is that one is above such spiritual assistance.

On the other hand, I’d probably walk away from a self-advertised guru because that person is making assumptions about his or her own abilities and talents which may not be true. Especially when the services seem to require the exchange of money or favors.