Guru

     I like my gurus dead.  They are a lot easier to deal with that way.
     Live gurus tend to contradict themselves.  They tend to have that human characteristic of making mistakes.  A dead guru you can deify.  You can reinterpret their seeming contradictions for a new time and generation.  You can talk to their spirits and ask for clarifications.  Dead gurus give you time to think and react.  Dead gurus allow you to grow out of their shadows.  And when you stand in your own light, you can put the guru back on the shelf for safe keeping.  Yes, dead gurus are the best.