Tradition of Guru-Shishya-I

The Sacred Ancient Tradition of Guru-Shishya

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

The brightest aspect of Indian culture is its tradition of sacred and ever deepening bond of soul kinship between Guru and Shishya. It is through this spiritual medium of teacher-disciple relationship between Guru and Shishya that India once rose to the position of Jagatguru (Teacher of the world). This tradition gave birth to Upanishads. The word Upanishad is spelt as Upa nishad; meaning to sit near and to listen - to absorb. An attentive disciple listened to the teachings and experiences of his spiritual master, assimilated them and then succinctly recorded them systematically in the form of unique scriptures called Upanishads. 

Pancagni Vidya has been described in the Kathopanishad in the form of a dialogue between Yama and Nachiketa. This is a unique example of the Guru- Shishya tradition. Another example of this tradition, which removes the opaque layers of ignorance hiding the spender of the individual souls, has been further exemplified through the medium of Aruni Swetketu. Explaining Jivan Vidya (art of living) as "Tatvamasi Swetketu" (Oh Swetketu! You yourself are made in the image and likeness of that Supreme Being). We resolve to dedicate ourselves to the ideals of this ancient tradition, every year on Guru Purnima parva because it has kept the essence of Indian spiritual quest alive- the sacred relationship between the two souls (one enlightened and other seeking enlightment) and the path to achieve the ultimate goal of life clear. If we ponder deeply over this sacred context of Guru Purnima, Vyas Purnima, we will realize that we have inherited this festival as an opportunity of refining our faith and devotion and moving in the direction of spiritual progress; and as an occasion for receiving Gurusatta's blessings. 

How blessed is a person who has achieved the proximity of Guru, his blessings and subtle protection; can be appreciated from the following lines of Hindi verse "Guru bin gyan nahin re nahin re; Guru bin jivan aisa hota, jaise pran nahin re nahin re". (Meaning: Spiritual knowledge cannot be attained without the help of the Guru. Life without Guru is like a body without life-breath). In India, from the ancient times, the responsibility of selecting the right disciples, removing their darkness of ignorance, guiding them to achieve salvation and serve humanity has been assigned to a self-realized teacher. One can easily understand how essential it is to re-establish this sacred tradition of Guru- Shishya under the present circumstances when Jivan Vidya has almost disappeared. 

If there is anything that can stop today's decline of moral values; it is this tradition of Guru- Shishya based on dedication and total surrender. Who should be the Guru? What should be his attributes? On this aspect, our scriptures say that Guru should be "Vishardam, brahmanishtham, shrotriam". This means that the one who possesses the knowledge of shruti (essence of Vedas known through aural transmission), is an expert in its philosophy; possesses excellent moral character befitting a Brahman, that is, whose life is devoted to God and possesses so much spiritual power that he is able to transfer some of the energy to the disciples for their upliftment; can truly be considered fit to be a Guru. (Countinue)

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma