An Inspiring Teacher: The Profound Impact of My Guruji

For the past almost two years, I have been studying under a Guruji. The term ‘Guruji’ is a combination of the Sanskrit word ‘Guru’ meaning ‘teacher,’ ‘guide,’ or ‘master,’ and the suffix -ji, which is a gender-neutral honorific. The term Guruji is a very respectful and affectionate term for one’s guru or spiritual teacher.

The Importance of a Mentor in Life

I am a firm believer in always having someone in your life that you can either look up to as a mentor or someone whom you revere as having the wisdom and knowledge to push you to think broader, bigger, and outside of the box. Someone who helps engrain positive advancement of individual growth.

Education should never end in my belief, and curiosity should never end. In past times, communities had thought leaders—individuals who were catalysts for change, pushing the boundaries of knowledge, challenging the status quo, and inspiring others to think critically and creatively. Their impact was and still is felt across generations, shaping the world we live in and the future we envision. These thought leaders were philosophers, religious leaders, scientists, inventors, civil rights and political leaders, artists, and businessmen.

Thought Leaders in Modern Times

While we still have thought leaders today, they are often found primarily on social media platforms and through other digital media content such as podcasts and blogs. These platforms allow us to listen but not always participate in discussions that help us further our own ideas and shape who we are becoming as humans. We have grown to be less communicative in person and much more reactive to what we hear. Listening is only half of the puzzle, and reactions are nothing more than that.

The Role of Active Participation in Growth

To have someone push new thinking while asking you to actively participate in implementing changes and challenging the way you currently live to incorporate changes is even more beneficial. Societies have greater chances of positive advancement through supportive and active encouragement of implementing change not only for current generations but for the upcoming and developing generations.

My Guruji has pushed me to grow and think more deeply about the person I am, the person I may think I am, but who I am not always. He has held me accountable to being the best version of myself who sees and supports my potential. All of this makes me a better contributing member of society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the role of a mentor, especially a Guruji, cannot be underestimated. They play a crucial role in shaping our thinking, encouraging us to grow, and helping us become better versions of ourselves. Whether it's in education, personal development, or societal change, having such a guide is invaluable.