Delusion is destroyed by good company, by the company of saints, and by devotion to the messengers of God. Even the thought of saints will help you to remove delusion. It is not personal association so much as attunement of thought with the messenger of God that destroys delusion. The true Guru has no desire to place himself in the hearts of others, but rather to awaken in their consciousness the consciousness of God. Master [Swami Sri Yukteswar] was like that: he was one with us - never any show of his greatness. If anyone in the ashram wanted recognition or a high seat of authority, Master would give him that position. But I wanted the heart of Master, the divine association he had within; and as a result, he is forever here in my heart. That is the attunement you want with the great ones.

~ SRI SRI PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA,
REALIZING GOD IN YOUR DAILY LIFE,
JOURNEY TO SELF REALIZATION, Pg 406