Eight types of Gurus

There are eight types of Gurus:

1 Bodha Guru
2 Veda Guru
3 Nishiddha Guru
4 Kaamya Guru
5 Vaachaka Guru
6 Soochaka Guru
7 Kaarana Guru
8 Vihita Guru

1. Bodha Guru teaches the Sastras and encourages the pupil to act up to sastraic injunctions.
2. The Veda Guru imparts the inner meaning of the Vedas, establishes the pupil in spiritual truths and turns his mind towards God.
3. The Nishiddha Guru imparts knowledge about rites and duties and shows how one's welfare here and in the hereafter can be ensured.
4. The Kaamya Guru makes one engage himself in meritorious deeds to secure happiness in both the worlds.
5. The Vaachaka Guru imparts knowledge of Yoga and prepares the disciple for the spiritual life.
   
6. The Soochaka Guru teaches how the senses are to be controlled through various types of discipline.
7. The Kaarana Guru reveals the relationship between Atma and Paramatma.
8. Vihita Guru clears all doubts, purifies the mind and shows how Self-realization can be attained.