Tulasidas observes in Ramayana:
 “Sadguru infuses the power in the disciple to distinguish between the eternal and the perishable. He makes such arrangements that the disciple is able to feel the insignificance of the sensual experiences. As when properly instigated, a piece of coal turns radiant and hot, the human soul in the disciple can also unite with the absolute when the Sadguru destroys the indomitable self.”
Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is committed to protecting our children being exploited by other religions. To fulfill that aim, we started Bala Samskar Kendras to provide the richness and glory of Sanatana Dharma. The students meet three days a week and learn about ethics, morals, slokas, Bhagavad Gita, Itihasasa stories and yoga and meditation. They also learn about the national heroes, saints and scholars who have contributed to the richness of our culture. This week they are learning about the importance of Guru.
Literally speaking “guru” means large, weighty, long, extended, important, prominent. It also means arduous, difficult, intense, venerable, best, excellent, etc. Indeed, all these meanings apply to a spiritual master, a venerable person, a religious teacher or spiritual guide who is known in the religious and spiritual traditions of India as guru.
Why should Gurus be respected?
The Guru is the embodiment of the Trinity. Like Brahma he inculcates knowledge in us, like Vishnu he protects us, like Shiva he destroys ignorance and also explains good and evil and teaches us how to acquire humane values and virtues.
That is why we remember the greatness of the Guru by saying “Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu Guru Devo Maheshwarah Guru Sakshat Parabrahma Tasmaishri Guruve Namah” every day.
In Indian culture Guru is a disciple who is considered equal to God. There were no jokes on teachers like now. They consider Guru as more than their parents. After all, there was a disciple who said that Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara would be their guru if the trinity comes.
He is not who he is. Kautsa was very poor. In those days, Gurus used to choose disciples. Thus, a guru named Vidyadhar called this Kautsa to his ashram and taught him all the vidyas. Ashram means hostel in modern parlance. Once the Guru went out for a few days on work. Kautsa took good care of the Ashram until the Guru came.
A few days after the Guru's return, Kautsudi's education was completed. The parents came to take the boy. But Kautsa said that he will not leave his guru and will stay with the guru. With this, Kautsudi's parents turned back. Then the Guru asked Kautsud what the reason was for not leaving him. Teacher, I saw your horoscope when you went out a few days ago. “You are going to be afflicted with a terrible disease soon. That's why I don't want to leave you,” says Kautsadu. As Kautsa had said, the Guru would get leprosy after a few days. In those days, there was no cure for leprosy, so both Guru's disciples went to Kashi to do charity and pious works. The people of Kasi used to hate both of them when they saw Guru ailment
Many people told me to leave the Guru and go away. However, Kautsa continued to serve the Guru without abandoning him. Admiring Kautsudi's devotion to the Guru, the Trinity wanted to test it. At first Brahma came in disguise and advised him to leave the Guru. Then Vishnu disguised himself and asked him to leave. Kautsa did not listen. Finally, Anna asked Shiva to leave, but Kautsa also said that there is no point in leaving him. Admiring Kautsuda's devotion to his Guru, Lord Shiva asked him if he needed any help.

Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar who appreciated this Guru's devotion said that they will appear in their original form and grant salvation to Kautsi. To that Kautsa.. My Guru, who caused you to appear, is Brahma to me, Guru is Vishnu to me, Guru is Maheswara to me. Kautsa said the sloka to mean that my Guru is Parabrahma who is the cause of your realization. That is the hymn “Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu Guru Devo Maheshwarah Guru Sakshat Parabrahma Tasmaishri Guruve Namah”. Kautsa begs the Trinity to grant salvation to his Guru by chanting a hymn. The Trinity bestows salvation to the Guru. With this, Kautsa feels that his responsibility is over and goes to his parents. Thus Kautsa worshiped his Guru avidly. This Guru Brahma Shlokam comes from that worship. The disciples of today's generation pray that the master will get better if he has a fever and takes a leave of absence. Whoever respects Guru like Kautsudu Gurus will surely reach a high position in life with the grace of God.
In the Vedic tradition, a guru was a reputed priest (brahmana) who performed purification ceremonies and initiated young students into the study of the Vedas. In ancient India, spiritual teachers who taught the higher knowledge of the Vedas (brahma vidyas) and liberation (moksha) commanded utmost respect. They came from all castes and backgrounds, and gave instruction in the secret knowledge of liberation as an obligatory duty and a selfless service. Some of them visited the royal courts of kings and engaged in public discussions on religious and spiritual matters.
However, not all gurus were spiritual teachers. There were teachers for other professions and vocations, who charge fees (guru artha). They excelled in various subjects, arts, crafts, and professions. Their reputation and status depended upon their knowledge as well their virtue and integrity. They taught medicine, metallurgy, weapon making, martial arts, taming of wild elephants, wild animals and poisonous snakes, spying, making various types of poisons and deadly potions, hypnotism, casting spells, witchcraft, fine arts, gambling, architecture, sculpting, hunting, lovemaking and so on. Most gurus were men, but some were women also.
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