The Indian word “guru” means “heavy” in Sanskrit, reflecting an understanding from the Indian society of Buddha’s time, in which the guru figure was an authority or a father figure.

Buddha challenged this understanding by undercutting the role of a teacher as an authority figure and by refusing to present himself as such an authority. He taught that the role of a teacher is to be a “kalyana mitra” — “a virtuous friend,” who leads one to enlightenment and exemplifies virtue, rather than being “a boss.” 

In this podcast Professor Thurman discusses these, as well as other compelling topics.

This episode was recorded on February 27, 2016.

“Guru: A Boss Or A Friend? - Episode 60″ of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Chris Michel, Used with permission.

“Guru: A Boss Or A Friend? - Episode 60″ of the Bob Thurman Podcast is apart of the Buddhism 101 series using classic teachings from the archives of Robert A.F. Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition.