Saturday, June 13, 2009

What is the difference between Master, Guru, Swami, Acharya?

Master is the one who has the thorough control over his mind, body and senses. He / She is the master of meditation.

Guru is a realised Soul. But due to lack of vocabulary, Guru is often called as a master, like in the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna (English Translation), Sri Ramakrishna is often called as Master.

Swami is a term used to address a monk. He may or may not be realised. A swami may be a master, a teacher or an advanced student. Initial, fresh renunciates are called as brahmacharis.

An Acharya is a teacher who spreads spirituality wherever he / she goes.

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