The word "guru" is often misused here in the West to denote simply a teacher or master of a certain thing, such as a "kitchen guru" who is a whiz at designing state of the art kitchens or maybe a great chef. But Guru is the one who relieves us of our spiritual ignorance, the very veil itself which hides our true identity from ourselves and one another.

It is the Light of Divine Knowledge, Guru, alone which has that power. When That Light, by God's grace, reflects in a stilled mind and reveals OneGod, it is what you call the "enlightenment."

"Guru Jyothi - a light on the Path" is a series of spiritually inspiring email dialogues which Sw. Vandana exchanged over a period of years with devotees who had questions related to the Path. Whether her answers are short and humorous or long and detailed, they're always on point and full of food for thoughtful reflection. Her first book "Guru Dakshina" soars on the strength of the writings and transcribed audio recordings of her very esteemed guru--the late Sri Sadguru Sant Keshavadas. This book shines with the light of timeless wisdom he showered so generously on the world using the expressions and writings of his devoted disciple.

She offers a prayer in the Preface, "May the Light of Knowledge which Guru revealed in me and which I share here illumine your heart and mind, as well, to bring you revelation of your Self as Truth, Awareness and Bliss--Sat, Chit, Ananda."