Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Who Is Your Guru?

I recently read a book called The Dude and the Zen Master by Jeff Bridges and Bernie Glassman. It's basically a transcript of conversations between the two men, who have been friends for over a decade.  They discuss life and the importance of doing good as they explore the idea of The Dude is considered by many Buddhists to be a Zen master. It's a pretty fun book, easy to read and quite inspiring. If you're a fan of Jeff Bridges, you should definitely read it.

My favorite line in the book is when Jeff says "Everyone you meet is your guru, teaching you something." This is a personal philosophy I have had for a long time, although not exactly in those words. I've written a lot lately about judging others and how it prevents us from seeing things through a wider lens. I believe that everyone we come in contact with has something to teach us. If you write someone off because of a snap judgement, be it how they're dressed or what kind of car they drive, you're missing out on a potentially great learning opportunity. I like that line so much because of the word guru. Sure you could say everyone you meet is a teacher, but guru implies that they're a "master", that they're really worth listening to. Everyone is a master of their own ways. With that thought in mind, it also goes to say that the people I come in contact with have something to learn from me as well. I like the thought of myself as a guru. I truly do believe that just by being me and sharing my experiences with others, I teach what I have learned. I have seen that happen. Even if the other person doesn't realize they're learning from me or don't want to, I know that just by sticking with what I know and believe, I can inspire someone. That's a pretty big deal.



7 comments:

  1. Can't say I have a guru, besides being my own. Letting my intuition guide me.

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    1. Oh, I think being your own guru is important too. I have learned to tune into my intuition more & more as I've gotten older. I just think we can learn a lot from others! Thanks for visiting!

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  2. I get tired of people thinking that the learning process is over once you leave school. I believe in trying to learn from everyone I meet.
    commenting from the UBC.
    http://mydevotionalthoughts.net

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    1. I agree! Or the idea that each of us has to have the answer for everything. I feel like with my support system of amazing friends & family, I can get through things because everyone has something different to bring to the table.

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  3. Hi Linda, Everyone can be a guru or at least a wonderful source of learning and growth when we allow ourselves to look deep within them and into ourselves in their presence. Thanks for the thought provoking question and the reference to the book.

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  4. Love Jeff Bridges, love the title... on the list!
    Thanks for the overview Grazona :)

    My favorite guru is my 7 yr old niece. She doesn't
    verbally speak, but her vibration & communication
    skills are Rockn' a High Vibe!

    Happy to see your site... Rock ya self out ~ Paula

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  5. I really have to put that on my list of books to read. It sounds like a lot of fun.

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