Theos-Talk Archives (May 2008 Message tt00180)

Many followers of Krishnamurti tried to tell me that Krishnamurti's
teaching is same as Buddhism. They told me that Guru or Spiritual
Master does not exist in Buddhism and it is inner Guru, which is the
only Guru, no other Guru is required. Unfortunately these followers of
Krishnamurti are grossly wrong about their idea of Buddhism.
Below I am giving the information about concept Guru as understood in
Buddhism. It is taken from wikipedia and it confirms what I was told
by a lama who is international speaker on Buddhism.
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Source: Wikipedia
Guru in Buddhism
In the Theravada Buddhist tradition, the teacher is a valued and
honoured mentor worthy of great respect, and is a source of
inspiration on the path to Enlightenment.
Blessed by the guru, whom the disciple regards as a Bodhisattva, or
the embodiment of Buddha, the disciple can continue on the way to
experiencing the true nature of reality. The disciple shows great
appreciation and devotion for the guru, whose blessing is the last of
the four foundations of Vajrayana Buddhism.
In the Tibetan tradition, the guru is seen as the Buddha, the very
root of spiritual realization and the basis of the path. Without the
teacher, it is asserted, there can be no experience or insight. In
Tibetan texts, great emphasis is placed upon praising the virtues of
the guru.
The Dalai Lama, speaking of the importance of the guru, said: "Rely on
the teachings to evaluate a guru: Do not have blind faith, but also no
blind criticism." He also observed that the term 'living Buddha' is a
translation of the Chinese words huo fuo. In Tibetan, he said, the
operative word is lama which means 'guru'. A guru is someone who is
not necessarily a Buddha, but is heavy with knowledge. The term vajra
is also used, meaning 'master'.
Tantric teachings include visualizing the guru and making offerings
praising the guru. The guru is known as the vajra (literally
"diamond") guru. Initiations or ritual empowerments are necessary
before the student is permitted to practise a particular tantra. The
guru does not perform initiation as an individual, but as the person's
own Buddha-nature reflected in the personality of the guru. The
disciple is asked to make vows and commitments which preserve the
spiritual link to the guru, and is told that to break this link is a
serious downfall."
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Wikipedia topic ends here.
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Anand Gholap : This idea of Guru is very similar to idea of Guru in
Hinduism. And after studying attitude of Christian devotees towards
Jesus, I think that they give Jesus similar position which Buddhists
or Hindus give to Guru.
And one can see that Krishnamurti's condemnation of Guru concept does
not fit at all in Buddhist or any other major religious tradition.
Anand Gholap