Guru

“Heavy”, “venerable”, “master”. One who dispels darkness (gu = darkness, ru = remover).

The guru in haṭha yoga:

• The HYP begins with reverence to the guru (Ādi-nātha/Śiva)
• It establishes that prāṇāyāma must be learned gurūpadiṣṭa-mārgena (by the path indicated by the guru)
• It repeatedly warns against practice without guidance

Functions of the guru:

1. Transmission: Communicates knowledge not found in texts
2. Adjustment: Adapts practice to the individual student
3. Protection: Prevents harm from incorrect practice
4. Initiation: Transmits śakti directly (śaktipāta)

In the tradition, certain practices (especially advanced mudrās and kuṇḍalinī yoga) are considered dangerous without direct supervision.