Nisargadatta Maharaj, the author of "I Am That," was a renowned spiritual teacher and guru who had a profound impact on the lives of many seekers. His teachings revolved around the concept of self-realization and the understanding of one's true nature. In his teachings, the role of the guru was of utmost importance, as he believed that a true guru is essential for one's spiritual journey.

According to Nisargadatta Maharaj, the role of the guru is to guide and help the seeker in realizing their true self. He emphasized the importance of having a guru who has already attained self-realization and can guide the seeker through their own experience. The guru is seen as a spiritual friend, a mentor, and a mirror that reflects the true nature of the seeker.

In "I Am That," Nisargadatta Maharaj explains that the guru's role is not to teach or impart knowledge but to awaken the seeker to their own inner wisdom. The guru is not a teacher in the traditional sense, but rather a facilitator who helps the seeker to remove the obstacles that hinder their understanding of the true self. The guru is seen as a catalyst, who through their presence and guidance, helps the seeker to realize their true nature.

One of the key teachings of Nisargadatta Maharaj is that the guru is not an external entity but resides within each individual. He believed that the true guru is the inner guru, the self, which is the source of all knowledge and wisdom. The external guru is merely a reflection of the inner guru, and their role is to help the seeker recognize and connect with their true self.

Nisargadatta Maharaj also emphasized the importance of surrendering to the guru and having complete faith and trust in their guidance. He believed that the seeker's ego and conditioning are the main obstacles on the path to self-realization, and the guru's role is to help the seeker transcend these limitations. Surrendering to the guru and following their guidance with complete faith can help the seeker to let go of their ego and open themselves up to the truth.

In conclusion, the role of the guru in Nisargadatta Maharaj's teachings is crucial, as the guru is seen as a guide, a friend, and a mirror that reflects the true self. The guru's role is to facilitate the seeker's journey towards self-realization by helping them to remove the obstacles and connect with their inner wisdom. The guru is not an external entity but resides within each individual, and their ultimate goal is to help the seeker realize their own true nature.