The Guru
Activities & Media on the Topic
The figure of the guru is a sensitive and controversial topic, particularly in the Western world. In Indian-Hindu culture, the term guru is used in a hierarchical manner to refer to teachers and authorities. The highest, impersonal guru principle is embodied by the Satguru, who transcends personal identity.
This theme characterises some of the Foundation’s activities in 2025, in events and publications. You can get an overview here.
The innermost light shining peacefully and timelessly in the heart, is the real Guru. All others merely show the way.
Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
Introduction of OM C. Parkin
Who is the Guru?
In this excerpt from a conversation with OM C. Parkin on 6 January 2023 at Gut Saunstorf Monastery, OM explores essential aspects of the nature of the Guru and their role in Western society.


Maturing on the Path
Interview with Regina Sara Ryan and Mary Angelon Young
This interview discusses the impact of Lee Lozowick’s physical death on their community, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in continuing his teachings. She emphasises the distinction between a guru and a teacher, noting that while many can guide students in various spiritual paths, only a satguru embodies a deeper level of responsibility and connection.
The Event:
The Guru – The Great Unknown
Fri – Sun, April 25 – 27, 2025 | Gut Saunstorf Monastery – Place of Stillness
This weekend, in the company of OM C. Parkin and ShantiMayi, we will explore a delicate and often challenging topic. As soon as the term “Guru” comes up, most people react with distrust, and often even hostility. Our aim is to look beyond preconceptions and biases, and approach this mystery with fresh eyes: Who is the Guru?
Three Questions to OM C. Parkin and ShantiMayi
In the following interview, they each answer three questions about the principle of the guru on the path to awakening.
- Who is or was your guru, and what role did they play on your path to awakening
- Does a disciple on the path need a guru? If so, why?
- What difficulties do Westerners, in particular, face when approaching a guru?
Relevant Videos
Maturing on the Path – An Introduction to the Master
Inner Life from a Wisdom Perspective
This interview with OM C. Parkin gives you the possibility to fall deeper with some of the most important questions of the inner path: What is an inner life? Do I need a guru? How does death function as a teacher? Does inner life start with being truly human?
You cannot do anything to mature, that is the bad news. The good news is, you don’t have to do anything to mature. Maturing is happening by itself.
OM C. Parkin
Books by OM C. Parkin
Intelligence of Awakening: Navigating the Wisdom Path
This book illuminates the path to liberation for those who turn inward, beyond the boundaries of religious denominations, and rise above the attachments in life in order to attain knowledge of their true nature.