The Guru (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
Template:Infobox Avatar: The Last Airbender episode "The Guru" is an episode from the animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender, which airs on Nickelodeon. It is the nineteenth episode of the second season of the series, and in conjunction with episode 20, "The Crossroads of Destiny", this episode forms the Season Two Finale.
Aang starts to learn control of the Avatar State from Guru Pathik at the Eastern Air Temple. Sokka is reunited with his father. Toph learns "metalbending", while Xin Fu and Master Yu are transporting Toph back to her parents. Katara and the generals plan the invasion on the Fire Nation. Later, she sees Zuko and Iroh running their tea shop.
Episode Synopsis
Template:Spoilers It is the morning, and Iroh is at work preparing some jook. Zuko walks into the room, yawns, and comments on the smell of the jook. Iroh says that he will not like it, but Zuko contradicts him, smelling it and saying that he would love to taste it. Iroh is somewhat surprised, and makes mention of the fact that Zuko has changed greatly since he recovered from the fever he had in "The Earth King". Zuko just smiles, and becomes very optimistic: It is a new day—in fact the day of the grand opening of Iroh’s new tea shop, and they have a wonderful new apartment.
At the same time, Aang and Sokka land at the mouth of Chameleon Bay, where they were told that Sokka’s father Hakoda and the rest of the Southern Water Tribe Warriors are. Sokka is very nervous, but Aang tries to calm him down, and succeeds somewhat. Sokka questions Aang on his feelings towards him meeting Guru Pathik to master the Avatar State. Aang smiles, and replies that he, unlike Sokka, is not nervous in the least. He then takes off on Appa, shouting back to Sokka that they will reunite in a week.
Sokka walks into the base, and is greeted with warm and welcome arms by the warriors of the Southern Water Tribe. After a very brief exchange of greetings, the warriors point him off to a tent. Sokka enters the tent, where several more warriors, including Bato and his father Hakoda, are studying a map. Hakoda looks up from the map, and he and Sokka embrace happily.
Back in Ba Sing Se, the Earth King is entertaining Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee, still disguised as the Warriors of Kyoshi. He tells them of Long Feng's manipulation of the city. Azula expresses false interest, and the Earth King continues by telling Azula of the plans for the invasion of the Fire Nation during the Day of Black Sun. Azula is surprised, but manages to suppress her shock to the point of merely expressing interest in the plan.
At that exact moment, the Council of Five is going over the invasion plan with Katara, who is accompanied by Momo. General Hao says that General Fong’s base will be the staging point of the attack, and they will send in troops, demonstrating the motion by Earthbending several stone pieces representing Earth Kingdom forces across a world map. Momo suddenly darts across the board, and knocks the pillars over. Katara laughs at the lemur's actions, and attempts to joke with the five generals, who are not amused. General Hao asks Katara to take a scroll detailing the invasion plans so that it may receieve Seal of the Earth King, which will finalize the plan.
Aang arrives at the Eastern Air Temple, and finds Guru Pathik meditating atop the same pillar he was on before Appa's departure. Guru Pathik introduces himself as a spiritual brother to the Air Monks, and a good close friend of Monk Gyatso. Aang ask Pathik how he plans on teaching him how to gain control of the Avatar State, to which Guru replies that he must first bring balance to himself before he can bring balance to the world. The Guru first asks Aang to simply drink a liquid, which Aang does before spitting it out, as it is a strange combination of onion and banana juice.
Out on a road, an ostrich is pulling a cart carrying Master Yu and Xin Fu as well as Toph, who is trapped within a huge metal box. The two up front are arguing about which way to go in order to back to the Bei Fong estate, Toph’s home, when Toph yells at the two to stop arguing and let her out to go to the bathroom. Master Yu starts to get up to let her out, but Xin Fu sharply pulls him back from the action, noticing the obvious trick where his companion does not. Toph pounds against the cage she is in, only infuriating Xin Fu more, who tells her that no matter how good an Earthbender she thinks she may be, there is no way that she can Bend the metal.
Back in Ba Sing Se, Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee are removing their disguises, when Azula presents the girls an idea. She states that they now have the perfect opportunity to bring down the Earth Kingdom from the inside and succeed where the Fire Nation has failed for a century. She proposes they stage a coup to overthrow the Earth King. Azula determines that the determining factor in accomplishing this goal lies in the control of the Dai Li.
Back at the Eastern Air Temple, Guru Pathik is beginning Aang’s instruction of the chakras. Chakras are nexuses of metaphysical and/or biophysical energy residing in the human body. In order to master the Avatar State, Pathik says that he must first open the seven chakras of the body. After determining that Aang has absolutely no knowledge of the nature of chakras, Pathik procides a visual representation. Using a pond clogged with algae he successfully explains to Aang the concept of chakras, stating that by removing the clogs between pools, the water is allowed to flow, just as energy is allowed to flow through the body when the seven chakras are open. There are seven chakras within the body, each with a purpose and each with a different blockage: An intense sensation results from the opening of them all. Pathik warns that the process of opening the chakras cannot be halted once it has begun- it must be completed in order to succeed. Aang accepts this risks and they begin the process.
The first chakra is the Earth Chakra, located at the base of the spine. It deals with Survival, and is blocked by Fear. Aang goes into meditation, and sees himself surrounded by fire, sitting before a man who appears to be the Fire Lord. Although surrounded by his visions, Aang is able to clearly hear Pathik's advice on how to address the emotion. After some reassurance, Aang is able to clear his thoughts, and the images disappear. Aang drops out of his meditative trance and Pathik congratulates him, before they move on.
The second chakra is the Water Chakra, which deals with Pleasure, and is blocked by Guilt. When asked what he blames himself for, Aang replies that he regrets running away from the Southern Air Temple upon receiving the pressure accompanying his position as Avatar. Also, he regrets harming others while in the Avatar State, as at General Fong's base. Pathik replies that Aang must accept what has happened, and not allow them to influence his judgment. In order to benefit the world, Aang must forgive his own actions, which he is able to accomplish.
Back in Chameleon Bay, Sokka, his father Hakoda, and the rest of the Warriors are preparing what Hakoda calls Tangle Mines. Comprised of a buoyant casing around an explosive mine, they are filled with Skunkfish and Seaweed. Upon detonation, the seaweed entangles itself in propellors of Fire Nation ships, immobilizing them. Afterwards, the stench of the Skunkfish forces the soldiers onboard to abandon ship. Hakoda jokes that he has dubbed the plan, “The Stink and Sink,” to which Sokka explodes with laughter. Bato remarks dryly on how similar the father and son are.
A scouting party returns, informing the warriors of the presence of four Fire Nation ships. Hakoda quickly acts, telling Bato to finish preparing the mines, and the rest of the warriors to prepare for battle. Sokka hesitates as the other warriors prepare for battle, and then asks Hakoda what he should do. In a slightly irritated, yet joking tone, Hakoda repeats pointedly that he wanted, "the rest of [the] men to get ready for battle." Sokka smiles at his father's confirmation of his coming-of-age, and quickly prepares himself for the encouter ahead.
In Ba Sing Se, the Jasmine Dragon is finally opening, and Iroh and Zuko stand proudly as customers arrive at the tea shop. Iroh says that he is in disbelief that has accomplished his dream of running his own tea shop. He advises Zuko to follow his own dreams as well, and Zuko congratulates him. Iroh expresses pride in his nephew, for having chosen to be with him in this happy time. Zuko enthusiastically hugs his uncle, then runs off to start preparing tea, Iroh soon happily joining him.
Aang and Pathik prepare to open the third chakra, the Fire Chakra, which is located in the stomach. Aang somewhat jokingly remarks upon learning this that he is hungry, and Pathik treats it in good humor before quickly moving on. He explains that the Fire Chakra deals with Willpower, while it is blocked by Shame. Aang has a vision of when he first attempted Firebending, and severely burned Katara’s hands. He repeats aloud the promise he made afterwards: that he will never Firebend again. Pathik dismisses this, saying that in order to obtain Balance, Aang must accept all aspects of his life. As the Avatar, Aang must Firebend. Aang breathes in and out once, releasing the chakra.
Meanwhile, Mai and Ty Lee, in Kyoshi warrior garb, lounge on the front steps of the Earth King's palace. Mai complains about her outfit, and about the tasks involved in being the Earth King's audience (primarily cleaning up after the King's pet bear). Ty Lee advises Mai to be patient, and repeats aloud the plan Azula has formed. Mai quickly snaps at her to be quiet, as she will reveal that they are from the Fire Nation if she continues. A small group of Dai Li, who have been spying from their hiding spots clinging to several pillars, quickly and stealthily crawl off. Once they are gone, Azula emerges and compliments her friends on their acting job, as Long Feng will surely be informed of their plans now.
Aang and Pathik have now moved on to open the fourth chakra, the Air Chakra. Located in the heart, this chakra deals with Love, and is blocked by Grief. Laying his grief before him, Aang meditates, and sees all of the Air Monks he knew, with Gyatso at the front, all of whom died because he abandoned them. They fade away into dust. Love, according to Pathik, is a form of energy, and flows around everything, and that the monks' love for Aang is still all around them, and manifests itself inside of new love- for example, as Aang sees, the love Aang feels for Katara. Aang releases the chakra, teary-eyed, and asks for more juice before they continue.
The fifth Chakra is the Sound Chakra, and is located in the throat. It deals with Truth, and is blocked by the Lies people tell themselves. Pathik says that all must accept who they are, and that Aang must accept he is the Avatar, even though he never wanted to be. Aang sighs, and quickly and calmly accomplishes this, and he opens the Chakra.
Aang and Pathik move quickly to the next Chakra. Located in the center of the forehead, the sixth chakra is the Light Chakra, which is responsible for Insight, and is blocked by Illusions. The greatest Illusion, Pathik explains, is that of Separation: things that appear separate but are, in truth, one and the same. Aang mentions the Four Nations, and Pathik agrees, stating that the people of the world are in reality one people, despite their decision to live as separate nations. Even the Separation of the Four Elements is an illusion, Pathik explains. He mentions metal, which is simply Earth which has been purified and refined. As Pathik continues to speak, Toph continues bashing her hands into the metal walls of her cell. Her blows send out vibrations, allowing her to sense the fragments of Earth contained within the metal. Toph reaches out for the fragments, and continues stubbornly beating against the cell, eventually leaving a good-sized dent in the center. She cheers, and congratulates herself for her discovery, before continuing her assault on the cell's walls.
In Ba Sing Se, Katara and Momo, just before going to see the Earth King, decide to stop at a new tea house. As she enters, Katara hears and sees Zuko reciting an order for tea to Iroh in the back of the shop, and she gasps in surprise before running off to warn the Earth King.
Aang and Pathik arrive at the seventh and final Chakra. Pathik congratulates Aang and states that with the final Chakra's opening, he will be able to willfully enter and exit the Avatar State, as well as control his actions within it. The Thought Chakra, located at the crown of the head, deals with Cosmic Energy, and is blocked by Earthly Attachment. Aang is asked to meditate on what he is attached to, and images of Katara flood his mind. Now that Aang has focused on that which he is attached to, Pathik instructs Aang to let the attachments go. Aang suddenly becomes angry, finding the idea of letting go of Katara ludicrous, as he loves her. He also questions why he should not allow himself to feel this love, when Pathik stated previously that it was beneficial to him. Pathik narrows his eyes, but remains calm, and states that if Aang ever wants the pure Cosmic Energy to enter him, he must let go of all earthly attachments, including Katara.
Katara rushes into the palace, and tells Azula, whom she believes is Suki, that Prince Zuko and Iroh have infiltrated the city. She tells how they need to inform the Earth King. As Azula calmly replies that that will not be necessary, Katara realizes her mistake- she recognizes the distinct golden hue of Azula's eyes. However, Katara's realization is too late- Ty Lee hurtles into the air and disables Katara. Azula and her friends stand over Katara's prone form, and she remarks that it is time she and Zuko encountered each other again.
The argument continues back at the Eastern Air Temple, with Pathik telling Aang he must open all of the chakras to master the Avatar State. Aang decides to at the least try to do so, and he begins to let go. He visualizes an image of Katara disappears into space, and himself being taken high above the planet to walk along a purple stream of cosmic energy. The stream is radiating from a gigantic image of himself in the Avatar State, which surrounds him in a sphere of energy radiating from its palms. However, Aang is suddenly shocked when an image of Katara, struggling in chains and screaming for help, appears behind him. He abandons the Avatar State, and begins running towards the image. The stream of cosmic energy dissipates, and Aang plummets to the Earth. Jolting awake from his meditation, Aang desperately says that Katara is in trouble, and he must go back to Ba Sing Se to help her. Pathik stops him, telling him that by choosing Attachment, the last chakra has become blocked- if he leaves now, he will not be able to go into the Avatar State at all. Aang hesitates, but then continues on without looking back or responding.
Master Yu and Xin Fu are startled by a tearing sound from the back of the wagon, and go to investigate. A massive hole has been ripped in the back of Toph's prison, and she is not inside. Toph emerges further back on the road, and uses Earthbending to thrust Xin Fu and Yu back into the coffin. She then grips either side of the hole she made earlier, and pulls them back together, trapping her captors in her place. After taking a few moments to yell out her triumph and state that she is the greatest Earthbender ever, Toph rapidly heads back to Ba Sing Se by surfing along a self-made wave of Earth. This leaves Xin Fu and Yu locked very uncomfortably within the coffin, and Xin Fu frustrated as ever at having to spend time with his companion.
Sokka and the rest of Hakoda's warriors are finishing preparing their ships to move on. Sokka tells his father that he is going to make him proud and prove what a great warrior he is. Hakoda smiles, and replies that Sokka does not have to prove himself- he has always known Sokka has been a great warrior. This heart-felt moment is brought up short by the sudden appearance of Aang and Appa. Aang only has to look at Sokka for him to realize that the situation is urgent, and bids farewell to his father.
In the prisons of Ba Sing Se, a group of Dai Li agents escort a restrained and complaining Azula to Long Feng’s cell. Upon their arrival, she demands to know why she has been taken out of her bed in the middle of the night. Long Feng smiles craftily, and tells her he knows exactly who she truthfully is, that he wants to make a deal, as Azula has the Earth King's trust. In return for her help, Long Feng promises the Avatar, and Azula smirks, before the proposal continues.
At the Jasmine Dragon, Iroh and Zuko are surprised when they receive wonderful news—they have been invited to serve tea to the Earth King. Zuko, looking extremely content and happy for his uncle's good fortune, continues working in the shop.
Notes
- The Guru was aired along with The Crossroads of Destiny as the first part of the second season finale.
- The food Iroh is cooking in the morning is rice congee, a thick rice soup, which is popular in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, India and Korea. It is also pronounced as "Juk" in Cantonese and Korean or "Ganji" in Hindi.
- General Fong's military base, an Earth Kingdom facility featured in "The Avatar State", is mentioned by General How as the launching point for the westward invasion of the Fire Nation.
- General How declared that in exactly two months they will invade the Fire Nation. Since Wan Shi Tong's calendar stated that the next eclipse will come on August 9, the date setting inside this episode is around June 9.
- Toph gains the ability to "metalbend", the first character in the series seen to do so. She does so by focusing on the impurities in metal, since metal is just a processed form of earth.
- When Aang meditates on each of the Chakras, the background color in each of his visions corresponds to the color of that particular "chakra".
- Bato is seen amongst the Water Tribe warriors when Sokka joins them in this episode. Bato was previously seen in Bato of the Water Tribe, where he was waiting for information on how to rejoin the Water Tribe warriors.
- The location of the second chakra, the chakra dealing with pleasure, is the only one not mentioned during the episode. This is most likely because the second chakra is located in the nether region, hence its connection to pleasure, and such a fact was deemed inappropriate for a children's show.
External links
- TV Guide has information on the episode.