Question: What is the meaning of the word “guru”?

Answer: The Sanskrit word “guru” means spiritual teacher; however it is also often used to refer to teachers of all kinds—be they teachers of music, ayurvedic medicine, cooking, etc.

“Guru” as an adjective means “heavy or weighty” as in “one who is heavy with spiritual knowledge and wisdom.” Additionally, “guru” means servant; “guru” does not mean master.

Question: What is the nature of the relationship between a guru and their disciple?

Answer: From ancient times until today, the art and science of yoga has been handed down from guru (teacher) to disciple (in Sanskrit shishya or chela). Disciples in turn hand down what they have learned to their disciples. Every guru is also simultaneously a disciple not only of their immediate guru, but also all the preceding gurus in their line of teachers. In this way, the yoga/Hindu culture has been handed down.

Question: Could you tell us about yourself?

Jagad Guru: I am not very important. What’s important is what I teach.

Question: So if I come to know what you teach, then I’ll come to know you?

Question: With the worsening world economy, increasing incidences of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, new viruses like bird flu and swine flu, increased warfare and terrorism, and other catastrophes or potential catastrophes, more and more religious leaders are saying that “doomsday” or “the end of the world” is about to happen. Some are even giving dates. What is your view of such doomsday declarations and movements?

Jagad Guru: We should all care about people’s material as well as spiritual well being—so it is natural that we should try to prevent catastrophes or be prepared to minimize the people’s suffering if and when such negative events do occur. People should be encouraged to be as prepared as possible for any natural or man-made disaster, to have flash lights, bottled water, stockpiled food and things like that. This is just common sense. As far as the economy is concerned, we should all do our best to minimize the impact of a financial downturn on people and society and work to turn things around.

Question: Do you have a physical location - are you a school?

Answer: The Science of Identity Foundation and organizations associated or affiliated with it have numerous centers located throughout the world. Additionally, we work in the community making the teachings of yoga available at hospitals, old age homes, fitness clubs, spas, community centers, etc.

Question: Who founded The Science of Identity Foundation?

Answer: The Science of Identity Foundation was established by Jagad Guru Chris Butler in 1977 to offer to the public ancient yoga wisdom and techniques that individuals can apply in their own lives to optimize their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Many of his students and disciples around the world have formed their own yoga organizations and schools.