Acharya Prashant explains that the word 'Guru' refers to one who can remove the darkness of the 'I-sense'—the ego, its desires, and its attachments. He clarifies that while professionals like doctors, financial experts, or fitness instructors perform useful roles in society, they should not be called Gurus. A Guru's sole focus is the liberation of the 'I' from its dependencies and false identifications with the body and worldly possessions. Misusing the term 'Guru' for motivational speakers or marketing experts degrades the dignity of the word and reflects a lack of self-respect in the seeker.