I am also very interested in this topic lately. Especially because it is now common that people are saying there is no need for a Guru and that you are already enlightened, etc. Their statements are particularly interesting because they are not without some level of truth. It is a subtle subject with plenty of paradoxes. One being that to denounce the Guru is to take on that role oneself. I have met people in other groups online, who are much older and who for all I know may really be awakened, who have said that you should throw your teacher's picture in the garbage. Needless to say I find such a view appalling. Admittedly, there can be a propensity to develop imaginary relationships with gurus who are not alive and whom we have not met. To the extent that these relationships become mere fantasy and escapism, I guess we have to admit that they are unhealthy.
I love the Amma quote, Steve. Would you consider re-titling this thread so that we can add statements from other respected sages on this important topic of the Guru?
I recently made a webpage that outlines some of Sri Ramana's responses on the topic of the Guru in this vein. You can see it at this link:
http://callahanweb.xyz/on_the_guru/
