Many people call themselves Gurus or Spiritual Teachers who come from a variety of different belief systems and philosophies. They impart knowledge and wisdom that can have a positive effect on our lives and the lives of others once it is put into practice. As the nature of life is uncertain, it can be easy to look to Gurus and spiritual teachers for all the answers to our problems rather than tuning into ourselves. However, like us, they, too, are human and are prone to the same pitfalls that come with being human. Also, like us, they are continually evolving and learning through their spiritual journey and self-development. To gain the knowledge they have, Gurus and spiritual teachers have been spiritual students themselves.
I believe a Guru's job is to awaken a truth that is already inherent within us and bring it to our awareness. The attraction to certain teachers and philosophies is our connection to the Source pulling us towards that which will awaken what is already within. Therefore, it's not the Guru or the teacher that holds all the answers to the mysteries of the universe, but our inherent wisdom that guides us towards those resources that trigger this awakening. This could come in the form of a Guru or spiritual teacher, a book, a podcast or through other means.
A good spiritual teacher recognises they are merely a channel for divine wisdom and acts as a trigger for this knowledge within others. They discourage disciple-ism, recognise that the universe expresses itself differently through us all, and value diversity in our approach to our own spirituality.
As Buddha himself once said of Buddhism, "Take what's relevant and leave the rest".
Becoming your own Guru means looking up to yourself as opposed to looking up to others and trusting that the universe, which speaks to you through your instincts and synchronicity, will guide you to the right things at the most appropriate time, including other Gurus or spiritual teachers. It is recognising and honouring the inherent wisdom within you and the interconnectedness between us all.