Guru- the one who imparts knowledge
Shishya - the one who acquires knowledge
Parampara-lineage
I recently observed a student talking about his teacher in metro. He admired the teachers dressing sense but not the way he taught. Some remarks were not of tolerable nature. This made me go back to what teaching means.
This tradition of Guru-Shishya is deep rooted in Sikhism, Hinduism,Buddhism and Jainism.
There is a school of thought which says that everyone needs a Guru, there is another school of thought which says that this Guru can be one-self , when one achieves 'self-realization'.
It is based on this, the good old education system was set up- Gurukula (Guru-Teacher, Kula-extended Family).
Students , irrespective of their social status were to stay with the teacher, as a part of family. It was up to the teacher on how he wanted to teach his students. Through tasks or stories or even household chores.
Parents knew that they were not supposed to interfere by any means, even if their child had to undergo punishments. Parents and students has faith in the Guru.
Fees also had a different meaning. Guru Dakshina was the term used. Guru had all the rights to demand on what they prefer as Dakshina.
Each Guru had a limited number of shishya on whom they could completely focus.
Guru also has one more meaning, he/she need not be the one who owns an ashram/school. Anyone who guides you on the right path can take that position of a Guru, by virtue of his deed/act as a teacher. Best example being that of Krishna, who guides Arjuna during Mahabharata yudha at Kurukshetra.
Student's(or Shishya) prime focus was gathering knowledge and a teacher's identity was his students. Questioning spirit was encouraged and some lessons were indirect. Actual daily life situations, nature were also a part of teaching medium.
These being the origin for stories like Panchatantra, Hitopadesh and many more.
A Guru was considered as God. The below mentioned Sanskrit shloka clearly shows on how a Guru used to be revered
Guru: Brahma, Guru: Vishnu, Guru: Devo Maheshwar:|
Guru: Sakshat Para Brahma , Tasmai Shri Gurave Nama:||
(Guru is Brahma (The Creator), Guru is Vishnu (The Protector), Guru is Shiva (The Destroyer).
Guru is The Supreme God, My salutations to such a great Guru)
The above Shloka says a lot. Its a complete submission of a student to his Guru, who would eventually be responsible to define the student's future.
Indian Mythology talks of some famous Guru -Shishya pairs, about whom we must read
-- Dhronacharya - Arjun
-- Krishna - Arjun
-- Yama -Nachiketa
--Vyasa -Dattatreya
--Dhronacharya- Eklavya
Sikh Gurus : http://sikhism.about.com/od/tengurus/tp/Ten-Gurus-Timeline.htm
Similarly, every religion has its own famous Gurus. Even if we are in 21st Century, where teaching system has drastically changed,it is a must that we be connected to the roots.
Mission and Vision of both teacher and students is still the same as it used to be, just that the means, methodology, focus of teaching has changed.
To build a strong future, we need to know our past and have good future. So take out sometime and read about what Guru means --- Of course refer to your favorite Guru -- Google!!
Happy Learning :)
Shishya - the one who acquires knowledge
Parampara-lineage
I recently observed a student talking about his teacher in metro. He admired the teachers dressing sense but not the way he taught. Some remarks were not of tolerable nature. This made me go back to what teaching means.
This tradition of Guru-Shishya is deep rooted in Sikhism, Hinduism,Buddhism and Jainism.
There is a school of thought which says that everyone needs a Guru, there is another school of thought which says that this Guru can be one-self , when one achieves 'self-realization'.
It is based on this, the good old education system was set up- Gurukula (Guru-Teacher, Kula-extended Family).
Students , irrespective of their social status were to stay with the teacher, as a part of family. It was up to the teacher on how he wanted to teach his students. Through tasks or stories or even household chores.
Parents knew that they were not supposed to interfere by any means, even if their child had to undergo punishments. Parents and students has faith in the Guru.
Fees also had a different meaning. Guru Dakshina was the term used. Guru had all the rights to demand on what they prefer as Dakshina.
Each Guru had a limited number of shishya on whom they could completely focus.
Guru also has one more meaning, he/she need not be the one who owns an ashram/school. Anyone who guides you on the right path can take that position of a Guru, by virtue of his deed/act as a teacher. Best example being that of Krishna, who guides Arjuna during Mahabharata yudha at Kurukshetra.
Student's(or Shishya) prime focus was gathering knowledge and a teacher's identity was his students. Questioning spirit was encouraged and some lessons were indirect. Actual daily life situations, nature were also a part of teaching medium.
These being the origin for stories like Panchatantra, Hitopadesh and many more.
A Guru was considered as God. The below mentioned Sanskrit shloka clearly shows on how a Guru used to be revered
Guru: Brahma, Guru: Vishnu, Guru: Devo Maheshwar:|
Guru: Sakshat Para Brahma , Tasmai Shri Gurave Nama:||
(Guru is Brahma (The Creator), Guru is Vishnu (The Protector), Guru is Shiva (The Destroyer).
Guru is The Supreme God, My salutations to such a great Guru)
The above Shloka says a lot. Its a complete submission of a student to his Guru, who would eventually be responsible to define the student's future.
Indian Mythology talks of some famous Guru -Shishya pairs, about whom we must read
-- Dhronacharya - Arjun
-- Krishna - Arjun
-- Yama -Nachiketa
--Vyasa -Dattatreya
--Dhronacharya- Eklavya
Sikh Gurus : http://sikhism.about.com/od/tengurus/tp/Ten-Gurus-Timeline.htm
Similarly, every religion has its own famous Gurus. Even if we are in 21st Century, where teaching system has drastically changed,it is a must that we be connected to the roots.
Mission and Vision of both teacher and students is still the same as it used to be, just that the means, methodology, focus of teaching has changed.
To build a strong future, we need to know our past and have good future. So take out sometime and read about what Guru means --- Of course refer to your favorite Guru -- Google!!
Happy Learning :)
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