Editing Guru (section)

=== Attributes ===
The [[Advayataraka Upanishad]] states that the true teacher is a master in the field of knowledge, well-versed in the [[Veda]]s, is free from envy, knows [[yoga]], lives a simple life that of a yogi, has realized the knowledge of the [[Atman (Hinduism)|Atman]] (Self).<ref name="feuerstein1990" /> Some scriptures and gurus have warned against false teachers, and have recommended that the spiritual seeker test the guru before accepting him.  [[Swami Vivekananda]] said that there are many incompetent gurus, and that a true guru should understand the spirit of the scriptures, have a pure character and be free from sin, and should be selfless, without desire for money and fame.<ref>{{cite book |last=Vivekananda |first=Swami |date=1982|title= Karma-Yoga and Bhakti-Yoga|location=Oxford |publisher=Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center |isbn=9780911206227|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UJA4wQEACAAJ}}</ref>

According to the Indologist [[Georg Feuerstein]], in some traditions of Hinduism, when one reaches the state of Self-knowledge, one's own Self becomes the ''guru''.<ref name="feuerstein1990">[[Georg Feusterstein|Feuerstein, Georg]] Dr. ''Encyclopedic dictionary of yoga'' Published by Paragon House 1st edition (1990) {{ISBN|1-55778-244-X}}</ref> In Tantra, states Feuerstein, the guru is the "ferry who leads one across the ocean of existence."<ref name=georgtantra>Georg Feuerstein (1998), ''Tantra: The Path of Ecstasy'', Shambhala Publications, {{ISBN|978-1570623042}}, pages 85-87</ref> A true guru guides and counsels a student's spiritual development because, states ''Yoga-Bija'', endless logic and grammar leads to confusion, and not contentment.<ref name=georgtantra/> However, various Hindu texts caution prudence and diligence in finding the right guru, and avoiding the wrong ones.<ref name=georgtantra91>Georg Feuerstein (1998), ''Tantra: The Path of Ecstasy'', Shambhala Publications, {{ISBN|978-1570623042}}, pages 91-94</ref> For example, in ''Kula-Arnava'' text states the following guidance:

{{Blockquote|
<poem>
Gurus are as numerous as lamps in every house. But, O-Goddess, difficult to find is a guru who lights up everything like a sun.
Gurus who are proficient in the Vedas, textbooks and so on are numerous. But, O Goddess, difficult to find is a guru who is proficient in the supreme Truth.
Gurus who rob their disciples of their wealth are numerous. But, O Goddess, difficult to find is a guru who removes the disciples' suffering.
Numerous here on earth are those who are intent on social class, stage of life and family. But he who is devoid of all concerns is a guru difficult to find.
An intelligent man should choose a guru by whom supreme Bliss is attained, and only such a guru and none other.
</poem>
|Kula-Arnava|13.104 - 13.110, Translated by Georg Feuerstein<ref name=georgtantra91/>}}

A true guru is, asserts ''Kula-Arnava'', one who lives the simple virtuous life he preaches, is stable and firm in his knowledge, master yogi with the knowledge of Self (''[[jnana|Atma Gyaan]]'') and [[Brahman]] (ultimate reality).<ref name=georgtantra91/> The guru is one who initiates, transmits, guides, illuminates, debates and corrects a student in the journey of knowledge and of self-realization.<ref name=georgyoga>Georg Feuerstein (2011), ''The Deeper Dimension of Yoga: Theory and Practice'', Shambhala Publications, {{ISBN|978-1570629358}}, pages 127-131</ref> The attribute of the successful guru is to help make the disciple into another guru, one who transcends him, and becomes a guru unto himself, driven by inner spirituality and principles.<ref name=georgyoga/>