Acharya Prashant responds to a question about the necessity of a Guru when one can learn directly from life. The questioner quotes from Acharya Prashant's own book, "Book of Myths," which states, "Everything in life is Guru... But that does not mean that the man is somebody special." The questioner's friend uses this idea to argue against needing a Guru, claiming they can learn from life and various people. Acharya Prashant begins by advising the questioner to "earn a decent circle of friends," suggesting that remaining in the same old environment will impede inner change. He clarifies that he is not disputing the need for a Guru just because the friend is. In fact, he states that what the friend is saying is factually more correct than what the questioner is arguing. He explains that listening to someone is not a matter of fashion or trend but arises from a deep inner need and love. Without this need, one will have a thousand arguments against learning. He addresses the concept of learning from life directly by asking, while it is possible, has the person actually learned? If one has truly learned from life, the discussion is moot. If one has not, then the argument is just an excuse. He questions if one is the kind of person who can learn from a mosquito, a pig, a wall, or a mountain. He asserts that the one who is truly eager to learn will learn from everything, but this requires a certain quality and inclination that most people, including the friend in question, lack. The speaker points out that using the various avenues of learning as an excuse is a great defense against actually learning and a way to remain secure in one's ignorance. Acharya Prashant explains that a Guru is essential for the *possibility* of learning from life to materialize. For most people, this potential remains unrealized. He emphasizes that the appearance of a true student is what is difficult; when the student is ready, the teacher will compulsorily appear. He criticizes the questioner for turning a sacred, intimate teaching into "marketable knowledge" by discussing it with an unworthy friend. He likens this to a love affair being exposed to strangers, which is a great crime. He cites the Bhagavad Gita, where Shri Krishna warns Arjun not to reveal the Gita's wisdom to anyone who lacks faith in him, as it would be a curse. Therefore, a Guru is needed so that the potential to learn from life can gain fructification.
