MovieChat Forums > Kumaré (2011) Discussion > Most people are definitely NOT their own...

Most people are definitely NOT their own guru

posted 11 years ago by imdb-3754
4 replies | jump to latest

I feel like there are a lot of idiots who will watch this documentary, and come to the conclusion that there's no point in seeking council from those wiser than themselves, because after all, they are their own 'guru'. Sure, most of them will probably figure things out the hard way, as a result of making mistakes and learning from them. But wouldn't it be better if you could avoid those mistakes by talking to someone who has already made those same mistakes, and learn from that? It would save you a lot of time and misery. If I had watched this documentary a decade ago in my late 20's, I wonder if I would've started reading in earnest in my 30's ...

I guess what I'm saying is, while I certainly wouldn't recommend being a follower of anyone, and there's a lot of insight to be gained from life experiences, I'm always seeking to learn something from those who have accomplished more in life than I have.

[–] SinclairJA 11 years ago

The point was not that people shouldn't learn from others, the point was to not DEPEND on others to "fix" you.

Furthermore, before you "learn" from somebody, you probably should take reasonable measures to determine whether they have something legitimate to offer.

[–] bootblack987 11 years ago

I agree. When your car carrying yourself and your child are about to crash on a wintery road, you should NOT ask Jesus to take the wheel...

[–] chilone 9 years ago

The point was not that people shouldn't learn from others,

To me, that's very bad advice. I know I've avoided a lot of misery by listening to other's advise and not repeating their mistakes.

I don't love her.. She kicked me in the face!!

[–] gfarrell80 9 years ago

Coming off the movie I had the same feeling. Ultimately, everybody's power to control their own lives proceeds from within. Nobody needs a guru.

HOWEVER, it is foolish to think you can get through life without the teaching of others who have come before. I would be nowhere without my mother, father, a few key friends, a few key teachers, and a few key books. Those are my 'gurus'. Without some external learning from others we would be just feral children running around in the wild.

I think Vikram Ghandi's main thrust is to just be wary of unsubstantiated statements, and teachers who ask for things from you. Be critical of those who speak of things they can have no knowledge of. Ask yourself what is good for you and your own emotional, intellectual, and physical well-being, as well as the good of those you love and those around you.