--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A Guru is not someone who holds a torch…" description: "\"A Guru is not someone who holds a torch for you. He is the torch.\" — Jaggi Vasudev" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a33/jaggi-vasudev-693_enlightenment_a-guru-is-not-someone-who-holds-a-torch_1704159.png" --- # A Guru is not someone who holds a torch for you. He is the… ![“A Guru is not someone who holds a torch for you. He is the torch.” quote by Jaggi Vasudev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a33/jaggi-vasudev-693_enlightenment_a-guru-is-not-someone-who-holds-a-torch_1704159.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a33/jaggi-vasudev-693_enlightenment_a-guru-is-not-someone-who-holds-a-torch_1704159.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a33/jaggi-vasudev-693_enlightenment_a-guru-is-not-someone-who-holds-a-torch_1704159.png) > “A Guru is not someone who holds a torch for you. He is the torch.” [Jaggi Vasudev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaggi-vasudev/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A guru embodies the torch, not merely holding it for others. **In simple terms:** The guru is the light itself. Key Takeaway Become your own guide. Themes leadership spirituality self‑reliance Mood calm empowering Type spiritual philosophical When to use this quote - meditation - self‑study - mentorship - decision making Key Concepts philosophy personal development Questions to Reflect On - How can you embody the torch? - What does self‑illumination mean to you? A Different Perspective Not everyone accepts self‑leadership. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Enlightenment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enlightenment/) [Guru](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/guru/) [Guru Holds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/guru-holds-1181402/) [Holds Torch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/holds-torch-1181403/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Love & life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love-life-2/) [Meditation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/meditation/) [Torch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/torch/) [Torch Torch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/torch-torch-1181404/) [Torches](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/torches/) ## Related quotes > [Enter with the torch in the stadium. 80,000 people screaming. I was waiting downstairs for the start for 10 hours; I was so tired…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alberto-tomba/enter-with-the-torch-in-the-stadium-80-000-people-screaming-i-was/) [Alberto Tomba](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alberto-tomba/) > [“It is like a lighted torch whose flame can be distributed to ever so many other torches which people may bring along; and therewith…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/buddha-siddhartha-guatama-shakyamuni/it-is-like-a-lighted-torch-whose-flame-can-be-distributed-to-ever-so/) [Buddha Siddhartha Guatama Shakyamuni](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/buddha-siddhartha-guatama-shakyamuni/) > [The team developer realizes that at times the leadership 'torch' must be passed on to others. This empowerment of others serves a dual purpose;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marlene-caroselli/the-team-developer-realizes-that-at-times-the-leadership-torch-must/) [Marlene Caroselli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marlene-caroselli/) > [A torch lighted in the forests of America set all Europe in conflagration.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/voltaire/a-torch-lighted-in-the-forests-of-america-set-all-europe-in/) [Voltaire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/voltaire/) > [The cuties I desire, I be the first to set it on off, flame on like the Human Torch.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/method-man/the-cuties-i-desire-i-be-the-first-to-set-it-on-off-flame-on-like-the/) [Method Man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/method-man/) > [The man who finds a truth lights a torch.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-green-ingersoll/the-man-who-finds-a-truth-lights-a-torch/) [Robert Green Ingersoll](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-green-ingersoll/) > [It seems all "protection" has to be monitored, considered, weighed and justified - I am suggesting we do that (but it's something Mary Shelley…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laura-mullen/it-seems-all-protection-has-to-be-monitored-considered-weighed-and/) [Laura Mullen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laura-mullen/) > [Truth is a torch but a tremendous one. That is why we hurry past it, shielding our eyes, indeed, in fear of getting burned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/truth-is-a-torch-but-a-tremendous-one-that-is-why-we-hurry-past-it/) [Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/) > [From generation to generation, lights are extinguished and darkness threatens until some one stoops to bear the torch.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurence-overmire/from-generation-to-generation-lights-are-extinguished-and-darkness/) [Laurence Overmire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurence-overmire/) > [The boundary between expert and amateur was an imposed social-cultural "protection" which actually exposed a number of women to a fatal disease, because decaying…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laura-mullen/the-boundary-between-expert-and-amateur-was-an-imposed-social/) [Laura Mullen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laura-mullen/) > [I feel like the torch has been passed to me. The question is what am I going to do with it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ato-boldon/i-feel-like-the-torch-has-been-passed-to-me-the-question-is-what-am-i/) [Ato Boldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ato-boldon/) > [Man is a torch borne in the wind; a dream But of a shadow, summed with all his substance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-chapman/man-is-a-torch-borne-in-the-wind-a-dream-but-of-a-shadow-summed-with/) [George Chapman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-chapman/) > [The torch of liberty is hot; warms those who hold it high; burns those who try to extinguish it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/the-torch-of-liberty-is-hot-warms-those-who-hold-it-high-burns-those/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [Ever hold your hand over a torch (sorry, a flashlight for you Americans).](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-riordan/ever-hold-your-hand-over-a-torch-sorry-a-flashlight-for-you-americans/) [Rick Riordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-riordan/) > [The constant man loses not his virtue in misfortune. A torch may point towards the ground, but its flame will still point upwards.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bhartrhari/the-constant-man-loses-not-his-virtue-in-misfortune-a-torch-may-point/) [Bhartrhari](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bhartrhari/) ## More by Jaggi Vasudev > [Meditation is an opportunity to move into a dimension where there is no such thing as stress within you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaggi-vasudev/meditation-is-an-opportunity-to-move-into-a-dimension-where-there-is/) [Jaggi Vasudev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaggi-vasudev/) > [If you try to live that which is past, that which IS will bypass you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaggi-vasudev/if-you-try-to-live-that-which-is-past-that-which-is-will-bypass-you/) [Jaggi Vasudev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaggi-vasudev/) > [Plain intellectual thinking is the peak of ignorance because all that you will know is to play with a few aspects and make others…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaggi-vasudev/plain-intellectual-thinking-is-the-peak-of-ignorance-because-all-that/) [Jaggi Vasudev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaggi-vasudev/) > [If you impose morality on people, they will find ways to circumvent their guilt. They will make offerings to temples - or other places…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaggi-vasudev/if-you-impose-morality-on-people-they-will-find-ways-to-circumvent/) [Jaggi Vasudev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaggi-vasudev/) > [The process of wanting to clean India is not an overnight job. At the same time, if we can inspire all citizens, it would…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaggi-vasudev/the-process-of-wanting-to-clean-india-is-not-an-overnight-job-at-the/) [Jaggi Vasudev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaggi-vasudev/) > [At my ashram, people work long hours joyfully because they are inspired. When people are involved and joyfully doing something, they usually turn out…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaggi-vasudev/at-my-ashram-people-work-long-hours-joyfully-because-they-are/) [Jaggi Vasudev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaggi-vasudev/) > [Devotion is when your involvement with life is so absolute that you yourself do not matter anymore.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaggi-vasudev/devotion-is-when-your-involvement-with-life-is-so-absolute-that-you/) [Jaggi Vasudev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaggi-vasudev/) > [Spirituality is not about looking up or down - it's about looking inward.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaggi-vasudev/spirituality-is-not-about-looking-up-or-down-it-s-about-looking-inward/) [Jaggi Vasudev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaggi-vasudev/) > [The cosmos is a complex amalgamation of sounds. One of the key sounds through which you can experience the cosmic nature of creation is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaggi-vasudev/the-cosmos-is-a-complex-amalgamation-of-sounds-one-of-the-key-sounds/) [Jaggi Vasudev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaggi-vasudev/) > [There are no problems in the world. There are just situations. Some situations you know how to handle. Some you do not know how…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaggi-vasudev/there-are-no-problems-in-the-world-there-are-just-situations-some/) [Jaggi Vasudev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaggi-vasudev/) > [It is not predictions but plans that make the future. If you want predictions, it is because you do not have the ability to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaggi-vasudev/it-is-not-predictions-but-plans-that-make-the-future-if-you-want/) [Jaggi Vasudev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaggi-vasudev/) > [If you cultivate your body, your mind, your emotions, and your energies to a certain level of maturity, meditation will blossom.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaggi-vasudev/if-you-cultivate-your-body-your-mind-your-emotions-and-your-energies/) [Jaggi Vasudev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaggi-vasudev/) > [If only there is a sufficient number of people whose experience of life goes beyond body and mind, this world will be a very…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaggi-vasudev/if-only-there-is-a-sufficient-number-of-people-whose-experience-of/) [Jaggi Vasudev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaggi-vasudev/) > [Communism is a way of thinking. Socialism is wimpy communism. When you don't have the courage to become a communist, you become a socialist.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaggi-vasudev/communism-is-a-way-of-thinking-socialism-is-wimpy-communism-when-you/) [Jaggi Vasudev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaggi-vasudev/) > [Most of the time you are thinking about life, not living life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaggi-vasudev/most-of-the-time-you-are-thinking-about-life-not-living-life/) [Jaggi Vasudev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaggi-vasudev/) [Explore all 406 Jaggi Vasudev quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaggi-vasudev/) ## More Enlightenment quotes > [“Intelligence says think. Understanding says ponder. Insight says perceive. Enlightenment says overcome.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matshona-dhliwayo/intelligence-says-think-understanding-says-ponder-insight-says/) [Matshona Dhliwayo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matshona-dhliwayo/) > [An enlightened awareness is within each one of us, right at this moment. This enlightened awareness is truly unborn and marvellously illuminating; and everything…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bankei-yotaku/an-enlightened-awareness-is-within-each-one-of-us-right-at-this/) [Bankei Yotaku](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bankei-yotaku/) > [How wonderful it would be, I thought, if only we could practice the teachings of the Buddha as he really taught them from his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dzogchen-ponlop-rinpoche/how-wonderful-it-would-be-i-thought-if-only-we-could-practice-the/) [Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dzogchen-ponlop-rinpoche/) > [Enlightenment is lightening up.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-myers/enlightenment-is-lightening-up/) [Mike Myers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-myers/) > [Nirvana is a word that means enlightenment, being beyond the illusion of birth and death, the illusion of pain, the illusion of love, the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/nirvana-is-a-word-that-means-enlightenment-being-beyond-the-illusion/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [“The extraction of discrete parts of Chöd teachings from their broader philosophical contexts is symptomatic of how Chöd has been incorporated into and transmitted…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michelle-sorensen/the-extraction-of-discrete-parts-of-ch-d-teachings-from-their-broader/) [Michelle Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michelle-sorensen/) > [“It is not so much about fighting against the ego; it is more about harmonizing with it.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/grace-sara/it-is-not-so-much-about-fighting-against-the-ego-it-is-more-about/) [Grace Sara](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/grace-sara/) > [One of his students asked Buddha, "Are you the Messiah?" "No," answered Buddha. "Then are you a healer?" "No," Buddha replied. "Then are you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gautama-buddha/one-of-his-students-asked-buddha-are-you-the-messiah-no-answered/) [Gautama Buddha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gautama-buddha/) > [“That's all there is, enlightenment on the end of a cock. It doesn't get any more Zen than that.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaden-wilkes/that-s-all-there-is-enlightenment-on-the-end-of-a-cock-it-doesn-t-get/) [Jaden Wilkes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaden-wilkes/) > [Aging is like enlightenment at gunpoint. Before I had cancer, I lived my life for my art. After I had cancer, I lived my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anna-halprin/aging-is-like-enlightenment-at-gunpoint-before-i-had-cancer-i-lived/) [Anna Halprin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anna-halprin/) > [Democracy must be built through open societies that share information. When there is information, there is enlightenment. When there is debate, there are solutions.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/atifete-jahjaga/democracy-must-be-built-through-open-societies-that-share-information/) [Atifete Jahjaga](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/atifete-jahjaga/) > [We need enlightenment, not just individually but collectively, to save the planet.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nhat-hanh/we-need-enlightenment-not-just-individually-but-collectively-to-save/) [Nhat Hanh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nhat-hanh/) > [I think enlightenment is something that you decide to do after you have met someone who is enlightened. Something touches your heart, your being…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/i-think-enlightenment-is-something-that-you-decide-to-do-after-you/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [For fear of causing terror to living beings, Mahamati, let the Bodhisattva who is disciplining himself to attain compassion, refrain from eating flesh.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gautama-buddha/for-fear-of-causing-terror-to-living-beings-mahamati-let-the/) [Gautama Buddha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gautama-buddha/) > [Don't worry. These poses have nothing to do with meditation or enlightenment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dharma-mittra/don-t-worry-these-poses-have-nothing-to-do-with-meditation-or/) [Dharma Mittra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dharma-mittra/) [Browse all 3,404 Enlightenment quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enlightenment/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "A Guru is not someone who holds a torch for you. 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