India, July 25 -- Guru Purnima is more than a celebration of teachers. It is a reminder of the deep role a spiritual guru can play in helping you grow, gain wisdom, and better understand yourself. In the Vedic tradition, the guru is closely associated with Brihaspati, the teacher of the devas and the planetary force that represents wisdom, higher learning, and sound judgment.

The purpose of a true guru is not to remove life's challenges, but to help you recognize and rise above the unconscious habits and beliefs that often lead to suffering. According to Dr Manmit Kumarr, spiritual guru and founder of the Academy of Tantra, one of the most powerful ways a guru helps transform karma is through personal example.

The journey to becoming a ...