"An ordinary man interested in bodily comforts does not need a guru."

One should not accept a guru unless one is inquisitive to know the ultimate goal of life. An ordinary man interested in bodily comforts does not need a guru. Unfortunately, at the present moment, the word guru refers to someone who can give bodily medicine. One approaches a Mahātmājī and says, "I am suffering from this disease. Please help me." And the Mahātmājī says, "Yes, I have a mantra that will heal you and give you success. Give me a little money and take it." This is not a real guru. One should approach a guru to learn about tattva, the Absolute Truth. One should not search out a guru to cure some material disease; rather, one requires a doctor. Similarly, people think that if a person can make him successful in business, that person is a guru. The śāstras do not confirm this either. A guru is one who knows the Vedas and the Vedic conclusion. The Vedic conclusion is the understanding of Kṛṣṇa. Vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyaḥ: "By all the Vedas, I am to be known." (Bg. 15.15)

 Teachings of Lord Kapila, the Son of Devahūti Verse 4