Introduction

Essentially Satguru or Sadguru (सदगुरू) means true Guru, a Realised Being.  While it is important to understand the significance of respect to oneself and others generally, this is especially significant in His presence.  In order to explain alternative gestures for showing respect it is therefore helpful to consider the variations set out here and to develop one which one is comfortable with in demonstrating devotion.   Below are 7 Ways of Paying Respect to provide you some guidance.  

The Divine Within Me Salutes the Divine With You

How to Address the Satguru Svamiji

There are certain recommended terms that may be used in the presence of Svamiji and when He is not physically present. These are set out below to avoid confusion:

Svamiji or Swamiji;

Baba or Babaji;

Gurudev or Gurudevji;

Maharaj or Maharaji;

Bhagvan or Bhagwan;

Master or Lord; and

His or Your Holiness.

It is not recommended to use abbreviations such as “Purna,” although “Purna Maharaj” or “Purna Swami” may be acceptable as appropriate.

There are of course many Sanskrit terms that we may explore later, including the 108 names that have been bestowed.