Whether we are in close proximity to a living Guru or not, having established the bond, we understand that there are many degrees to this relationship based on our own capacity and self-awareness. Whether you are close or not, the Guru is ever present with the aim of destroying your samsara, your self-grasping and selfish concern. We often become too fixated on the element of Guru Devotion that is an interaction between two human people (not that the Guru is really human of course) but this is a very limited approach. There is a great deal more going on than we comprehend and we will surrender in many different ways along the journey according to our capacity and individual circumstances. I believe it is very important not to intellectually measure our Guru Devotion on the basis of what is said to be the "most ideal" or "perfect" Guru devotion. The most critical task in Guru Devotion is to destroy the excessive dialogue of the 'I' by resting our conceptual minds in mahamudra, for that is the real union of Guru and Disciple; that is the ultimate devotion.
Of course, there are many aspects our devotion takes, but we must realize that this destruction of our self-grasping will be done by the Guru whether we are his personal attendant, living alone in retreat, or engaged in a "worldly life". The more we quit the dialogue and measurements of success, the more quickly we will realize what Guru Devotion is really about. We talk of Jetsun Milarepa's servitude to Marpa as a perfect example of surrender, and this was the Jetsun's aspect - outward display of inner attributes. But, we must remember that his true service to the Guru was to stop thinking and destroy his 'I' by resting in Mahamudra. That was his Guru's principle command.
So do whatever you want, but don't forget this essential point of devotion, to cultivate mahamudra right now realizing it is not separate from the Guru.
As Tilopa said to Naropa:
Don't recall.
Don't imagine.
Don't think.
Don't examine.
Don't control.
Rest.
