There have been so many changes around the world.  In the midst of these changes, I have noticed that people are awakening and shifting to a more positive, loving world where all living creatures (animals, plants, and humans) are respected and revered for their place on the planet. We are all part of the One that is creating a beautiful world of light and love on the Earth. As the world shifts and awakens, many spiritual gurus have appeared, because we are now in an age when it is safe and more widely acceptable to follow a path of spiritual enlightenment and spiritual teachings. In times previous, spiritual leaders were widely persecuted. Now, they are more likely to be embraced by people of like mind who want to attain a deeper level of spirituality and balanced living.
A spiritual guru is different from a spiritual teacher. It is said that a spiritual guru is mostly awakened and is more deeply connected to the Universe, Source, or namely God. A spiritual teacher will likely study extensively and will depend more on Holy Scripture or other teachings, rather than on intuitively based inner knowing. A guru, on the other hand, lives by intuitive inner guidance. The spiritual guru is spontaneous and flexible and leads by the heart, whereas the spiritual teacher will teach from intellect and “book knowledge.”
When in the presence of a spiritual guru, there is a feeling that the guru is inherently “right;” there is a deep inner knowing that what the guru says is the universal truth. The truth can be felt, not rationalized. There is simply a feeling that the guru is leading you to the truth. On the other hand, when in the presence of a spiritual teacher, questions lead to more questions, and the student carries on a personal inner search that is triggered by the spiritual teacher.  The spiritual teacher doesn’t necessarily have the answers; he or she is guiding you to explore your own truth.  Spiritual teachers are less awakened, and it said they are only about one-third attuned to full spiritual consciousness.  Spiritual teachers are helpful guides that can help you stay on course and follow your path. They serve a more specific purpose at certain points in life. Gurus, on the other hand, are omniscient and can guide the spiritual seeker throughout lifetimes and under any circumstance.
Gurus are deeply connected to the soul and have little reliance on ego. They identify with the soul, not the human body. The human body is an instrument through which the soul works on the Earth. Gurus have an unconditional love for others and walk in beauty, non-judgment, non-suffering, and non-attachment. They typically will guide students through all aspects of their lives and their teachings are not limited to any one subject. They are available to teach any type of lesson that the student requires in his/her quest toward enlightenment. Gurus always live in service to others; it is their main responsibility to be of service to all others, great and small.
The guru is also different from the spiritual teacher, in that he/she transcends hierarchical roles. He or she is not “less than” or “more than” anyone else. Gurus also use very little energy to make major shifts in consciousness. A guru has mastered energy and therefore expends very little of it to make major changes.  A guru transcends all religion. He or she is simply of service to humanity, regardless of religious beliefs.
What is most important to realize is that the guru cannot be sought. A guru will appear in your life only when you have attained a significant degree of enlightenment. You can’t find a guru; he won’t be in the Yellow Pages! A guru comes to you only when you have attained the level of enlightenment that is necessary to be in the presence of a guru. The guru will help you merge with God and become One with all that is. Until you have reached the point of enlightenment, you will come across many, many spiritual guides and teachers who will assist you to stay on your spiritual journey. The guru will never come to you before you are ready and won’t push you to a level that you can’t sustain or attain.
Instead of seeking out a guru, enjoy the array of spiritual teachers that are making a positive difference for themselves, their followers and the world. You will innately be guided to certain teachers because these individuals will positively affect your heart center. And by touching your heart, they touch and heighten your vibration, your soul.  More importantly, discover your spiritual essence within by meditating, relaxing, connecting with nature, enjoying your unique spiritual journey and having fun, knowing that eventually, a guru will appear before you when you are ready to embrace and achieve enlightenment. Namaste

Tina Sacchi is a Master in Holistic Alternative Arts, which includes Hypnotherapy, Energy Healing (Reiki/Shamanic), Mysticism, Chakra Balancing, Soul Path Guidance, Past Lives Resolve, Future Life Progression, Raw Food Coaching and Life Event Ceremonies. Tina is certified in Clinical Hypnotherapy through the Arizona Society for Professional Hypnosis as well as the National Guild of Hypnotists. Visit her website, www.TinaSacchi.com, for upcoming events and information on her international radio show.