The one who can dispel the darkness of ignorance is called guru; the one who eliminates ignorance is guru and the one who imparts divine knowledge is guru. To take the shelter of a shrotriya brahmanishtha guru is the only way to know God ...

The mushrooming growth of self-claimed gurus has confused many of the modern generation, compelling them to become atheists. This publication reveals the truth.

The characteristics of a genuine saint and the importance of such a saint in the life of a spiritual aspirant is revealed in Guru Tattva, a unique compilation of excerpts from discourses given by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. For the first time, Kripalu Ji's references to the principal scriptures of Hinduism, and what they say about who a guru is, has been published in one book. Guru Tattva is an essential safeguard for all aspiring spiritual practitioners, and a compelling example for today's generation of the treasure in our Vedic scriptures.

The saint who comes into our life and directly helps us to progress on our chosen spiritual path is called a guru. The scriptures state that such a guru is a God-realised saint, possessing two essential, exclusive, and distinct qualities. Firstly, complete theoretical knowledge of all scriptures and the ability to impart that knowledge judiciously, and secondly, practical experience of God. In other words, a genuine guru is not a spiritual aspirant and is the only person capable of dispelling our doubts and fulfilling our pursuit of happiness.

In the book's first section, ten critical subjects are discussed, including the meaning of the word guru , the difference between God and guru, how to identify a genuine guru, the difference between a guru and a charlatan, the science of a guru disciple relationship and a guru's causelessly merciful nature. Kripaluji then goes right to the heart of the matter, revealing exactly what the Vedas, Gita, Bhagavatam, Narad Bhakti Sutra and Ramayan say about guru, giving all the relevant quotations.

In this age where deception, fraud, and malpractice are all engaged in under the pretext of spirituality, devotion and meditation, Guru Tattva shatters the illusion by stating the facts regarding guru.