Acharya Prashant addresses the apparent contradiction between the necessity of a Guru and the teaching of Mahatma Buddha to 'be your own light'. He points out that even to understand the concept of not needing a Guru, one often relies on the words of a teacher like Mahatma Buddha, thereby making him a Guru. He clarifies that a true Guru is one who gradually frees the disciple from the need for external guidance by illuminating the inner self. The phrase 'Appo Deepo Bhava' is described as the final instruction given only when a disciple's spiritual practice is complete and they are ready to depart. He warns that if this teaching is adopted at the beginning or middle of one's spiritual journey, it leads to confusion and serves the ego. Many people misuse this slogan to avoid the discipline and ego-shattering process that a Guru facilitates. Acharya Prashant emphasizes that while spiritual systems like those of Patanjali provide structured paths, the ultimate goal is more important than the sequence of steps. He notes that while some must undergo long, systematic practices, others may attain realization spontaneously through 'Bhava Pratyaya', where no specific method is required.
