Acharya Prashant explains that the true identity of a Guru is one who grants liberation (Mukti). If liberation is not the goal, one cannot determine if they have found a genuine Guru, especially since the term 'Satguru' (true Guru) has become cheap and is used by many. The speaker questions how one can identify a true Guru among the many fakes who are merely running a business. The ultimate test, he states, is to see if one's own bondages are being cut and if the flowers of liberation are blooming in one's life. Therefore, liberation itself must be the central goal. The speaker clarifies that liberation is not attained by serving a Guru; rather, the one who facilitates liberation is called a Guru. The definition of a Guru is derived from liberation, not the other way around. He advises to always keep liberation at the center. If, after being with a Guru, the mind's burden and bondages increase and ignorance is not dispelled, one should leave that Guru without delay. He quotes Kabir Saheb: "If a guru cannot dispel your illusion and delusion, know that guru to be false and do not delay in leaving them." Such a false guru will not only drown himself but will also drown his followers. This 'Guru business' is dangerous and one must be very careful. Acharya Prashant warns against developing faith in a person, as a person is not the Guru. The Guru is a messenger of truth. As long as the person delivers the message without distortion or adulteration, they are worth listening to. The moment they start adulterating the message, they should be left. The goal is truth and freedom, not the worship of a person, who is merely a puppet of flesh and bones. One should worship the truth that manifests through the person, not the person themselves. The Guru can be the highest means to liberation, but can also become the biggest form of slavery. Most often, in the name of the Guru, one finds slavery, where the ability to think and understand is destroyed. The only yardstick for a Guru is whether you are attaining liberation, your bondages are being cut, and your ignorance is being dispelled. The Guru is one who is helpful to your well-being; otherwise, one should part ways.
