If a Person Does Not Have a Guru – What Should He Do? Can Any Lord Become a Guru?

_Shokesh _
Sep 19
3 min read

In Sanatan Dharma and most spiritual traditions, the concept of a Guru (teacher, guide, or enlightened master) is considered sacred. Scriptures like the Guru Gita and teachings of saints remind us that without a Guru, spiritual progress becomes difficult. A Guru is seen as the bridge between the disciple and the Divine, the one who clears ignorance and lights the path of knowledge.

But what if someone does not have a living Guru? Is spiritual progress still possible? Can a devotee make God Himself their Guru? Let’s explore.

1. The Importance of a Guru

A Guru is not just a teacher – he is a remover of darkness (Gu = darkness, Ru = remover). He helps in:

Explaining the right path and avoiding confusion.
Clearing doubts from scriptures.
Giving mantra diksha (initiation).
Correcting ego and guiding towards humility.

In traditional understanding, a Guru is necessary because the spiritual path is subtle, and self-efforts without guidance may mislead one.

2. If One Has No Human Guru

Not everyone is blessed to find a living Guru easily. In such situations, the scriptures and saints suggest:

Take God Himself as your Guru: Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita – “I am the ultimate Guru, the one who resides in all beings as the inner witness.”
Accept Shastra (scriptures) as Guru: If no living master is present, one should take guidance from authentic scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, Ramcharitmanas, Vedas, Upanishads, and Guru Gita.
Bhakti (devotion): By surrendering to God with full faith, chanting His holy names, and living a righteous life, one slowly receives divine guidance.

3. Can Any Lord Become Guru?

Yes. In fact, many saints considered their deity as their Guru. Examples include:

Ekanath Maharaj – who accepted Lord Dattatreya as his Guru.
Tulsidas Ji – who saw Lord Hanuman and Lord Rama as his guiding Gurus.
Meera Bai – who surrendered completely to Lord Krishna as her Guru and husband.

When a devotee truly surrenders, God Himself takes the form of Guru – either within the heart or by arranging a living Guru at the right time.

4. The Role of Antaryami (Inner Guru)

Even if no external Guru is found, the Lord within – the Antaryami – acts as the guide. Many people experience sudden clarity, inner direction, or intuition in their prayers. This is the Guru-tattva (essence of Guru) working from inside.

5. Practical Guidance Without Guru

Start daily prayer and meditation.
Read scriptures with humility and open mind.
Chant the holy names (Om Namah Shivaya, Hare Krishna Mahamantra, Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram etc.).
Keep faith that when the time is right, the Guru will appear in the form of a saint, or God will continue guiding you inwardly.

6. Conclusion

Having a Guru is a divine blessing, but the absence of one does not mean spiritual growth stops. If a person cannot find a human Guru, let God Himself be the Guru. Approach Him with faith, surrender, and love – and the path will open.

In truth, the Guru is not only a person; it is a principle – Guru Tattva – which is the guiding light of the Divine. Whether it comes through a saint, scriptures, or God directly, what matters is sincerity of devotion.