The Sanskrit word “guru” means spiritual teacher; however it is also often used to refer to teachers of all kinds—whether it’s teachers of music, Ayurvedic medicine, cooking, etc.
“Guru” as an adjective means “heavy or weighty” as in “one who is heavy with spiritual knowledge and wisdom.” Additionally, “guru” means servant; “guru” does not mean master.
From ancient times until today, the art and science of yoga has been handed down from guru (teacher) to disciple (in Sanskrit shishya or chela). Disciples in turn hand down what they have learned to their disciples. Every guru is also simultaneously a disciple not only of their immediate guru, but also of all the preceding gurus in their line of teachers. In this way, the yoga/Hindu Vaishnava culture has been handed down from time immemorial.
