A Hindu religious teacher or spiritual master; used as a title of respect for a spiritual leader in Indian cultures.
From Sanskrit 'svami' meaning master or lord, from 'sva' (self) plus 'ami' (master). Brought into English through Indian English and colonial history.
A swami is technically someone's spiritual master, and the word literally means 'lord of self'—you've mastered yourself spiritually. It's a title earning respect through spiritual achievement, not appointment.
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