In the West, the tradition of guru worship is seen as contrary to the ideal of individualism - so much so, that when people use the term, it is in derision. Perhaps it is in part a difference of values, and in part a misunderstanding of the nature of worship.
In Play of Consciousness by Swami Muktananda, the Guru tells us about his experiences meditating on his guru, Baba Nityananda. Muktananda would rise early, wash himself, and sit contemplating the essence of Nityananda - attempting to identify with the divine essence of his guru.
We might assume that by worshipping the guru, we are diminishing something about ourselves. In fact, an important aspect is to discover the perfect aspect that is apparent in the guru, within ourselves.
For the transcript: Being Baba Muktananda A Beautiful Thought
