hello Frankidealist35
just thought I would add a few things
Enlightenment is a right "now" thing
And I only know when I am not being that
One may say it is a state of "being"
When I am one with all that is and all that is not
neither all and neither nothing
And yes it is true that ..there is no need for teachers or guru's
The truth that is taught cannot be realized until it has been lived
In your own experience
I can tell you what the taste of chocolate is like until I am blue in the face
Yet you really do not know the taste
Until you have tasted it for yourself
In your own experience
Funny thing is that there is no description of "being enlightened"
Why ? Because there is no self reflection.... That can be reflected back upon .....
When "I am" one with all ......there is nothing else
The teacher is there not to give you the knowledge of enlightenment
A good teacher is there to actually take away what you think enlightenment is
To unlearn you ...
to destroy any stupid idea's or religious beliefs you may have attached yourself too
what you think you know ..about God/enlightenment/..etc..etc
And it is no easy task ...taking someone's belief off them
People would rather die ..then give up their crazy beliefs
Just look at the state of the world .. as a fine example
remember a good teacher ...will not promise you anything
the teachers job is too ...unteach you ....