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== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

In the context of Guru and Shishya, various definitions are seen in the ancient texts. [[Vidya (विद्या)|Vidya]] as in Adhyatma vidya or Paravidya is held in high reverence by the ancient seers (Mundakopanishad clearly explains it). While an acharya contributes to the growth of student's knowledge during the formative years, a Guru guides him all through his life, keeps him on the path of dharma, and leads him to practice the higher knowledge (Paravidya). The Shivasutras explained by the Shivasutra vimarshini highlight this aspect  <blockquote>गुरुरुपायः । (Shiva Sutra 2.6) and गृणाति उपदिशति तात्त्विकमर्थम् इति गुरुः । (Shivasutra Vimarshini)<ref>Dr. Korada Subrahmanyam in Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad Forum ([https://groups.google.com/forum/#!msg/bvparishat/WzOL81dApIQ/yDp0WTycAQAJ A question: Guru-Shishya])</ref></blockquote>

In the context of Guru and Shishya, various definitions are seen in the ancient texts. [[Vidya (विद्या)|Vidya]] as in Adhyatma vidya or Paravidya is held in high reverence by the ancient seers (Mundakopanishad clearly explains it). While an acharya contributes to the growth of student's knowledge during the formative years, a Guru guides him all through his life, keeps him on the path of dharma, and leads him to practice the higher knowledge (Paravidya). The Shivasutras explained by the Shivasutra vimarshini highlight this aspect  <blockquote>गुरुरुपायः । gururupāyaḥ । (Shiva Sutra 2.6) and गृणाति उपदिशति तात्त्विकमर्थम् इति गुरुः । gr̥ṇāti upadiśati tāttvikamartham iti guruḥ । (Shivasutra Vimarshini)<ref>Dr. Korada Subrahmanyam in Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad Forum ([https://groups.google.com/forum/#!msg/bvparishat/WzOL81dApIQ/yDp0WTycAQAJ A question: Guru-Shishya])</ref></blockquote>

One who teaches the meaning of tattvas (higher knowledge) is a Guru.  

One who teaches the meaning of tattvas (higher knowledge) is a Guru.  

Once can understand why the preceptor is called a Guru from the following sloka as given in Mahabharata. <blockquote>पञ्चैव गुरवो ब्रह्मन्पुरुषस्य बुभूषतः। पिता माताग्निरात्मा च गुरुश्च द्विजसत्तम॥ (Maha. Vana. Parv. 3.214.27)</blockquote>The following five are to be considered as gurus; the father, mother, the preceptor, Agni and Atma.  

Once can understand why the preceptor is called a Guru from the following sloka as given in Mahabharata. <blockquote>पञ्चैव गुरवो ब्रह्मन्पुरुषस्य बुभूषतः। पिता माताग्निरात्मा च गुरुश्च द्विजसत्तम॥ (Maha. Vana. Parv. 3.214.27)</blockquote><blockquote>pañcaiva guravo brahmanpuruṣasya bubhūṣataḥ। pitā mātāgnirātmā ca guruśca dvijasattama॥ (Maha. Vana. Parv. 3.214.27)</blockquote>The following five are to be considered as gurus; the father, mother, the preceptor, Agni and Atma.  

== व्युत्पत्तिः॥ Etymology ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः॥ Etymology ==

* Devaguru Brhaspati  

* Devaguru Brhaspati  

Shabdakalpadruma<ref name=":3">Shabdakalpadruma ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83 See word गुरुः])</ref> gives the various aspects of गुरुः as follows  <blockquote>गृणाति उपदिशति वेदादिशास्त्राणिइन्द्रादिदेवेभ्यः इति । one who teaches, advises (used in the sense of explaining, pointing out, informing, command, prescribe) the vedas and shastras to devatas like Indra and others.</blockquote>

Shabdakalpadruma<ref name=":3">Shabdakalpadruma ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83 See word गुरुः])</ref> gives the various aspects of गुरुः as follows  <blockquote>गृणाति उपदिशति वेदादिशास्त्राणिइन्द्रादिदेवेभ्यः इति । one who teaches, advises (used in the sense of explaining, pointing out, informing, command, prescribe) the vedas and shastras to devatas like Indra and others.</blockquote>

Manusmrti explains that a Guru teaches an Upaneya (one who undergoes Upanayana samskara) and instructs him the procedures to perform sandhyavandana and other acharas (related to brahmacharya ashrama) and gives him the related sandhyopasana mantras.

Shabdakalpadruma quotes Manusmrti which explains that a Guru teaches an Upaneya (one who undergoes Upanayana samskara) and instructs him the procedures to perform sandhyavandana and other acharas (related to brahmacharya ashrama) and gives him the related sandhyopasana mantras.

: गृणाति उपनीय-सन्ध्योपासनाचारादीनि कर्म्माणि उपदिशति । उपनेता सन्ध्योपासनाद्युपदेष्टा च । यथा, मनुः । २ । ६९ ।

: गृणाति उपनीय-सन्ध्योपासनाचारादीनि कर्म्माणि उपदिशति । उपनेता सन्ध्योपासनाद्युपदेष्टा च । यथा, मनुः । २ । ६९ ।

: उपनीय गुरुः शिष्यं शिक्षयेच्छौचं आदितः । आचारं अग्निकार्यं च संध्योपासनं एव च । । २.६९ । ।<ref name=":1" />

: उपनीय गुरुः शिष्यं शिक्षयेच्छौचं आदितः । आचारं अग्निकार्यं च संध्योपासनं एव च । । २.६९ । ।<ref name=":1" />

=== गुरुगीता ॥ Gurugita ===

=== गुरुगीता ॥ Gurugita ===

Said to be a part of Skanda Purana, Gurugita comprehensively summarizes the various aspects of Guru in Uma Maheshvara samvada (dialogue between Uma and Maheshvara).<blockquote>गुकारश्चान्धकारो हि रुकारस्तेज उच्यते। अज्ञानग्रासकं ब्रह्म गुरुरेव न संशयः॥४४॥ </blockquote>गु-कारः stands for अन्धकारः (darkness in the form of Ajnana) and रु-कारः denotes तेजः (light in the form of Jnana). The one who dispels Ajnana by the light of Brahmajnana is a Guru, without any doubt.<blockquote>गुकारो भवरोगः स्यात् रुकारस्तन्निरोधकृत्। भवरोगहरत्याच्च गुरुरित्यभिधीयते॥४५॥</blockquote>गु-कारः stands for भवरोगः (worldly inflictions) and रु-कारः denotes भवरोगनिरोधकः (preventing worldly inflictions). One who removes the  diseases of worldly attachments is called a Guru.<blockquote>गुकारश्च गुणातीतो रूपातीतो रुकारकः। गुणरूपविहीनत्वात् गुरुरित्यभिधीयते॥४६॥</blockquote>गु-कारः stands for गुणातीतः (one who is above the three gunas - satva, rajas and tamas) and रु-कारः denotes रूपातीतः (one who is formless). A Guru is so called because he is devoid of the gunas (three states) and form.<blockquote>गुकारः प्रथमो वर्णो मायादिगुणभासकः। रुकारोऽस्ति परं ब्रह्म मायाभ्रान्तिविमोचनम्॥४७॥ (Guru. Gita.1.44-47)<ref name=":2">Guru Gita ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE_%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A6_%E0%A5%A7 Adhyaya 1])</ref></blockquote>गु-कारः the first varna is गुणभासकः (indicates Maya and other such qualities) and रु-कारः denotes परं ब्रह्म (the highest Brahman which dispels Maya and other delusions).<ref>Gurugita Hindi Translation of selected [http://ashram.org/Portals/0/Books/GuruGita.pdf Slokas]</ref><blockquote>अत्रिनेत्रः शिवः साक्षात् द्विबाहुश्च हरिः स्मृतः। योऽचतुर्वदनो ब्रह्मा श्रीगुरुः कथितः प्रिये॥९२॥ (Guru. Gita.1.92)<ref name=":2" /></blockquote>Guru is none other than Shiva devoid of three eyes (Guru has two eyes), a two shouldered Vishnu and Brahma devoid of four faces (heads).  

Said to be a part of Skanda Purana, Gurugita comprehensively summarizes the various aspects of Guru in Uma Maheshvara samvada (dialogue between Uma and Maheshvara).<blockquote>गुकारश्चान्धकारो हि रुकारस्तेज उच्यते। अज्ञानग्रासकं ब्रह्म गुरुरेव न संशयः॥४४॥ </blockquote><blockquote>gukāraścāndhakāro hi rukārasteja ucyate। ajñānagrāsakaṁ brahma gurureva na saṁśayaḥ॥44॥</blockquote>गु-कारः stands for अन्धकारः (darkness in the form of Ajnana) and रु-कारः denotes तेजः (light in the form of Jnana). The one who dispels Ajnana by the light of Brahmajnana is a Guru, without any doubt.<blockquote>गुकारो भवरोगः स्यात् रुकारस्तन्निरोधकृत्। भवरोगहरत्याच्च गुरुरित्यभिधीयते॥४५॥</blockquote><blockquote>gukāro bhavarogaḥ syāt rukārastannirodhakr̥t। bhavarogaharatyācca gururityabhidhīyate॥45॥</blockquote>गु-कारः stands for भवरोगः (worldly inflictions) and रु-कारः denotes भवरोगनिरोधकः (preventing worldly inflictions). One who removes the  diseases of worldly attachments is called a Guru.<blockquote>गुकारश्च गुणातीतो रूपातीतो रुकारकः। गुणरूपविहीनत्वात् गुरुरित्यभिधीयते॥४६॥</blockquote><blockquote>gukāraśca guṇātīto rūpātīto rukārakaḥ। guṇarūpavihīnatvāt gururityabhidhīyate॥46॥</blockquote>गु-कारः stands for गुणातीतः (one who is above the three gunas - satva, rajas and tamas) and रु-कारः denotes रूपातीतः (one who is formless). A Guru is so called because he is devoid of the gunas (three states) and form.<blockquote>गुकारः प्रथमो वर्णो मायादिगुणभासकः। रुकारोऽस्ति परं ब्रह्म मायाभ्रान्तिविमोचनम्॥४७॥ (Guru. Gita.1.44-47)<ref name=":2">Guru Gita ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE_%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A6_%E0%A5%A7 Adhyaya 1])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>gukāraḥ prathamo varṇo māyādiguṇabhāsakaḥ। rukāro'sti paraṁ brahma māyābhrāntivimocanam॥47॥ (Guru. Gita.1.44-47)</blockquote>गु-कारः the first varna is गुणभासकः (indicates Maya and other such qualities) and रु-कारः denotes परं ब्रह्म (the highest Brahman which dispels Maya and other delusions).<ref>Gurugita Hindi Translation of selected [http://ashram.org/Portals/0/Books/GuruGita.pdf Slokas]</ref><blockquote>अत्रिनेत्रः शिवः साक्षात् द्विबाहुश्च हरिः स्मृतः। योऽचतुर्वदनो ब्रह्मा श्रीगुरुः कथितः प्रिये॥९२॥ (Guru. Gita.1.92)<ref name=":2" /></blockquote><blockquote>atrinetraḥ śivaḥ sākṣāt dvibāhuśca hariḥ smr̥taḥ। yo'caturvadano brahmā śrīguruḥ kathitaḥ priye॥92॥ (Guru. Gita.1.92)</blockquote>Guru is none other than Shiva devoid of three eyes (Guru has two eyes), a two shouldered Vishnu and Brahma devoid of four faces (heads).  

Thus Mahesvara extols the greatness of a Guru in many ways to Umadevi.

Thus Mahesvara extols the greatness of a Guru in many ways to Umadevi.

=== अमरकोषः ॥ Amarakosha ===

=== अमरकोषः ॥ Amarakosha ===

The other representations of Guru include the Devaguru Brhaspati बृहस्पतिः सुराचार्यो गीष्पतिर्धिषणो गुरुः ।। १.३.२२३ ।। (Amarakosha 1.3.223)<ref>Amarakosha ( [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Kanda 1 Varga 3])</ref>   

The other representations of Guru include the Devaguru Brhaspati बृहस्पतिः सुराचार्यो गीष्पतिर्धिषणो गुरुः ।। १.३.२२३ ।। br̥haspatiḥ surācāryo gīṣpatirdhiṣaṇo guruḥ ।। 1.3.223 ।। (Amarakosha 1.3.223)<ref>Amarakosha ( [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Kanda 1 Varga 3])</ref>   

=== मनुस्मृति ॥ Manusmrti ===

=== मनुस्मृति ॥ Manusmrti ===

=== अथर्ववेदः ॥ Atharvaveda ===

=== अथर्ववेदः ॥ Atharvaveda ===

<blockquote>आचार्य उपनयमानो ब्रह्मचारिणं कृणुते गर्भमन्तः । तं रात्रीस्तिस्र उदरे बिभर्ति तं जातं द्रष्टुमभिसंयन्ति देवाः ॥३॥ (Atha. Veda. 11.7.3)<ref>Atharva Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A7/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_%E0% Kanda 11 Sukta 7])</ref></blockquote>Acharya bears the Brahmachari (one who is undergoing the Upanayana samskara) in his womb (of jnanasharira) for three nights. The devatas come down to see him (support him) just as he emerges from the womb (Adhyatmaka janma).<ref>Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya (2005) ''Atharvaveda Samhita  Part 2 Sarala Hindi Bhavarthsahita''. Mathura : Yuga Nirman Yojana </ref>   

<blockquote>आचार्य उपनयमानो ब्रह्मचारिणं कृणुते गर्भमन्तः । तं रात्रीस्तिस्र उदरे बिभर्ति तं जातं द्रष्टुमभिसंयन्ति देवाः ॥३॥ (Atha. Veda. 11.7.3)<ref>Atharva Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A7/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_%E0% Kanda 11 Sukta 7])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>ācārya upanayamāno brahmacāriṇaṁ kr̥ṇute garbhamantaḥ । taṁ rātrīstisra udare bibharti taṁ jātaṁ draṣṭumabhisaṁyanti devāḥ ॥3॥ (Atha. Veda. 11.7.3)</blockquote>Acharya bears the Brahmachari (one who is undergoing the Upanayana samskara) in his womb (of jnanasharira) for three nights. The devatas come down to see him (support him) just as he emerges from the womb (Adhyatmaka janma).<ref>Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya (2005) ''Atharvaveda Samhita  Part 2 Sarala Hindi Bhavarthsahita''. Mathura : Yuga Nirman Yojana </ref>   

Here the night is indicative of Ajnana, state of darkness devoid of knowledge. It also represents the kinds of darkness signified by lack of concepts (thoughts), enquiry (examination) and content (subject matter), and incapability which are removed by the teacher.

Here the night is indicative of Ajnana, state of darkness devoid of knowledge. It also represents the kinds of darkness signified by lack of concepts (thoughts), enquiry (examination) and content (subject matter), and incapability which are removed by the teacher.

=== मनुस्मृति ॥ Manusmrti ===

=== मनुस्मृति ॥ Manusmrti ===

Manu extols the greatness of a preceptor and lays down the role of an acharya as the spiritual father of a student.<blockquote>तत्र यद्ब्रह्मजन्मास्य मौञ्जीबन्धनचिह्नितम् । तत्रास्य माता सावित्री पिता त्वाचार्य उच्यते । । २.१७० । । </blockquote><blockquote>वेदप्रदानादाचार्यं पितरं परिचक्षते । २.१७१ । । (Manu. Smrt. 2.170-171)<ref name=":1">Manusmrti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2])</ref></blockquote>Shruti lays down that for a dvija, the mother gives him the first birth and by Upanayana samskara he gets his second birth, by the Agnistoma and other yajnadikshas he takes the third birth. Of these three births, in the brahmajnama obtained after upanayana, mother is Savitri and Gayatri and acharya is said to be the father.<ref>Pt. Girija Prasad Dvivedi. (1917) ''The Manusmriti or Manavadharmashastra. Translated into Hindi with notes, index and critical introductions.'' Lucknow : Newul Kishore Press. ([https://archive.org/details/ManuSmritHindi-GpDwivedi/page/n191 Adhyaya 2 Page 52])</ref>

Manu extols the greatness of a preceptor and lays down the role of an acharya as the spiritual father of a student.<blockquote>तत्र यद्ब्रह्मजन्मास्य मौञ्जीबन्धनचिह्नितम् । तत्रास्य माता सावित्री पिता त्वाचार्य उच्यते । । २.१७० । । </blockquote><blockquote>वेदप्रदानादाचार्यं पितरं परिचक्षते । २.१७१ । । (Manu. Smrt. 2.170-171)<ref name=":1">Manusmrti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>tatra yadbrahmajanmāsya mauñjībandhanacihnitam । tatrāsya mātā sāvitrī pitā tvācārya ucyate । । 2.170 । ।</blockquote><blockquote>vedapradānādācāryaṁ pitaraṁ paricakṣate । 2.171 । । (Manu. Smrt. 2.170-171)</blockquote>Shruti lays down that for a dvija, the mother gives him the first birth and by Upanayana samskara he gets his second birth, by the Agnistoma and other yajnadikshas he takes the third birth. Of these three births, in the brahmajnama obtained after upanayana, mother is Savitri and Gayatri and acharya is said to be the father.<ref>Pt. Girija Prasad Dvivedi. (1917) ''The Manusmriti or Manavadharmashastra. Translated into Hindi with notes, index and critical introductions.'' Lucknow : Newul Kishore Press. ([https://archive.org/details/ManuSmritHindi-GpDwivedi/page/n191 Adhyaya 2 Page 52])</ref>

 

Gautama Dharmasutras also emphasize that the Acharya is the person from whom one receives second birth (at Upanayana) or instruction in the Veda.  <blockquote>तद्द्वितीयं जन्म ॥  तद् यस्मात् स आचार्यः ॥  वेदानुवचनाच् च ॥ (Gaut. Dharm. Sutr. 1.1.8-10)<ref>Gautama [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Dharmasutras]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>taddvitīyaṁ janma ॥ tad yasmāt sa ācāryaḥ ॥ vedānuvacanāc ca ॥ (Gaut. Dharm. Sutr. 1.1.8-10)</blockquote>

== गुरोर्लक्षणानि ॥ Qualities of a Guru ==

== गुरोर्लक्षणानि ॥ Qualities of a Guru ==

While greatest importance was attached to a teacher in ancient education for his grounding in his own branch of vedic knowledge and learning, people always sought for Gurus for their idealistic personality. He was the ideal person and the students were naturally inclined to follow in the footsteps of his teacher. A student was to regulate his own conduct by the example of his teacher. Thus the character and moral conduct of a Guru was of high standard. He was expected to be a pious, patient person and treat all students impartially. Apart from profound scholarship, one became an exemplary teacher by having fluent delivery, presence of mind, wit, and a great stock of interesting anecdotes to explain difficult concepts in an interesting manner.<ref name=":0" />  

While greatest importance was attached to a teacher in ancient education for his grounding in his own branch of vedic knowledge and learning, people always sought for Gurus for their idealistic personality. He was the ideal person and the students were naturally inclined to follow in the footsteps of his teacher. A student was to regulate his own conduct by the example of his teacher. Thus the character and moral conduct of a Guru was of high standard. He was expected to be a pious, patient person and treat all students impartially. Apart from profound scholarship, one became an exemplary teacher by having fluent delivery, presence of mind, wit, and a great stock of interesting anecdotes to explain difficult concepts in an interesting manner.<ref name=":0" />  

Gurugita aptly summarizes the characteristics of a Guru  <blockquote>ज्ञानं स्वानुभवः शान्तिर्वैराग्यं वक्तृता धृतिः। षड्गुणैश्वर्ययुक्तो हि भगवान् श्रीगुरुः प्रिये॥१७२॥ (Guru. Gita.2.172)<ref>Guru Gita ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE_%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A6_%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 2])</ref></blockquote>One who has these six qualities - jnana (ज्ञानं । knowledge), personal experience (स्वानुभवः), peace (शान्तिः), disinclination towards worldly objects (र्वैराग्यं), eloquence in speech (वक्तृता), consistency (धृतिः) - is none other than the supreme Guru.<blockquote>चातुर्यवान् विवेकी च अध्यात्मज्ञानवान् शुचिः। मानसं निर्मलं यस्य गुरुत्वं तस्य शोभते॥२७०॥</blockquote>In one who is skilled, intelligent, knowledgeable about the Supreme, virtuous (pure) and tranquil at heart - such a person is endowed with greatness.<blockquote>गुरवो निर्मलाः शान्ताः साधवो मितभाषिणः। कामक्रोधविनिर्मुक्ताः सदाचाराः जितेन्द्रियाः॥२७१॥</blockquote>A guru is one who is peaceful, virtuous, a person of few words, clean of kama (desires) and krodha (anger) and who conducts himself well, and has overcome the senses.

Gurugita aptly summarizes the characteristics of a Guru  <blockquote>ज्ञानं स्वानुभवः शान्तिर्वैराग्यं वक्तृता धृतिः। षड्गुणैश्वर्ययुक्तो हि भगवान् श्रीगुरुः प्रिये॥१७२॥ (Guru. Gita. 2.172)<ref>Guru Gita ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE_%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A6_%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 2])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>jñānaṁ svānubhavaḥ śāntirvairāgyaṁ vaktr̥tā dhr̥tiḥ। ṣaḍguṇaiśvaryayukto hi bhagavān śrīguruḥ priye॥172॥ (Guru. Gita. 2.172)</blockquote>One who has these six qualities - jnana (ज्ञानं । knowledge), personal experience (स्वानुभवः), peace (शान्तिः), disinclination towards worldly objects (र्वैराग्यं), eloquence in speech (वक्तृता), consistency (धृतिः) - is none other than the supreme Guru.<blockquote>चातुर्यवान् विवेकी च अध्यात्मज्ञानवान् शुचिः। मानसं निर्मलं यस्य गुरुत्वं तस्य शोभते॥२७०॥ (Guru. Gita. 3.270)<ref name=":5">Guru Gita ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE_%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A6_%E0%A5%A9 Adhyaya 3])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>cāturyavān vivekī ca adhyātmajñānavān śuciḥ। mānasaṁ nirmalaṁ yasya gurutvaṁ tasya śobhate॥270॥ (Guru. Gita. 3.270)</blockquote>In one who is skilled, intelligent, knowledgeable about the Supreme, virtuous (pure) and tranquil at heart - such a person is endowed with greatness.<blockquote>गुरवो निर्मलाः शान्ताः साधवो मितभाषिणः। कामक्रोधविनिर्मुक्ताः सदाचाराः जितेन्द्रियाः॥२७१॥ (Guru. Gita. 3.271)<ref name=":5" /></blockquote><blockquote>guravo nirmalāḥ śāntāḥ sādhavo mitabhāṣiṇaḥ। kāmakrodhavinirmuktāḥ sadācārāḥ jitendriyāḥ॥271॥ (Guru. Gita. 3.271)</blockquote>A guru is one who is peaceful, virtuous, a person of few words, clean of kama (desires) and krodha (anger) and who conducts himself well, and has overcome the senses.

Shabdakalpadruma<ref name=":3" /> defines the characteristics of a Guru who gives mantra upadesha to knowledge seekers.

Shabdakalpadruma<ref name=":3" /> defines the characteristics of a Guru who gives mantra upadesha to knowledge seekers.

: मन्त्रदगुरोर्लक्षणं यथा । गकारः सिद्धिदः प्रोक्तो रेफः पापस्य हारकः । उकारो विष्णुरव्यक्तस्त्रितयात्मा गुरुः परः ॥

: मन्त्रदगुरोर्लक्षणं यथा । गकारः सिद्धिदः प्रोक्तो रेफः पापस्य हारकः । उकारो विष्णुरव्यक्तस्त्रितयात्मा गुरुः परः ॥

The Ga (गकारः) in the word Guru is said to stand for conferring Siddhi (giver of perfection), and Ra (रेफः) is said to dispel Papam (sin). Ukara (उकारः) in the word Guru stands for Avyakta Vishnu (Brahman), thus three fold in meaning is the Guru.

The Ga (गकारः) in the word Guru is said to stand for conferring Siddhi (giver of perfection), and Ra (रेफः) is said to dispel Papam (sin). Ukara (उकारः) in the word Guru stands for Avyakta Vishnu (Brahman), thus three fold in meaning is the Guru.

: शान्तो दान्तः कुलीनश्च विनीतः शुद्धवेशवान् । शुद्धाचारः सुप्रतिष्ठः शुचिर्दक्षः सुबुद्धिमान् ॥  

: शान्तो दान्तः कुलीनश्च विनीतः शुद्धवेशवान् । शुद्धाचारः सुप्रतिष्ठः शुचिर्दक्षः सुबुद्धिमान् ॥  

=== Acharya pariksha in Ayurveda ===

=== Acharya pariksha in Ayurveda ===

Acharya Charaka in his classical treatise 'Charaka samhita' has described qualities to look for in an Ayurveda scholar in order to accept him/her as guru to obtain knowledge of Ayurveda. He has described in vimanasthana as 'Acharya pariksha' (आचार्य परीक्षा) which comes after 'Shastra pariksha' (शास्त्र परीक्षा). Acharya Charaka says that the ideal Ayurveda preceptor should have clear knowledge of the subject and practical experience. One should be diligent, dexterous, virtuous, with skilled hand, well equipped, possessing all the senses in normal condition, acquainted with constitutions, well- versed in courses of emergency management and quick actions, having his knowledge uncensured, free from ego, envy, anger, forbearing, paternal to disciples, having characteristics of a good teacher and fit for imbue understanding.<blockquote>ततोऽनन्तरमाचार्यंपरीक्षेत;</blockquote><blockquote>तद्यथा-पर्यवदातश्रुतंपरिदृष्टकर्माणंदक्षंदक्षिणंशुचिंजितहस्तमुपकरणवन्तंसर्वेन्द्रियोपपन्नंप्रकृतिज्ञंप्रतिपत्तिज्ञमनुपस्कृतविद्यमनहङ्कृतमनसूयकमकोपनंक्लेशक्षमंशिष्यवत्सलमध्यापकंज्ञापनसमर्थंचेत एवङ्गुणोह्याचार्यःसुक्षेत्रमार्तवोमेघइवशस्यगुणैः \सुशिष्यमाशुवैद्यगुणैः सम्पादयति|| (Char. Samh. 8.4)</blockquote>Acharya Charaka further adds that, teacher holding such qualities quickly inculcates physician’s qualities in his disciple as the seasonal cloud furnishes good crop in a suitable land.

Acharya Charaka in his classical treatise 'Charaka samhita' has described qualities to look for in an Ayurveda scholar in order to accept him/her as guru to obtain knowledge of Ayurveda. He has described in vimanasthana as 'Acharya pariksha' (आचार्य परीक्षा) which comes after 'Shastra pariksha' (शास्त्र परीक्षा). Acharya Charaka says that the ideal Ayurveda preceptor should have clear knowledge of the subject and practical experience. One should be diligent, dexterous, virtuous, with skilled hand, well equipped, possessing all the senses in normal condition, acquainted with constitutions, well- versed in courses of emergency management and quick actions, having his knowledge uncensured, free from ego, envy, anger, forbearing, paternal to disciples, having characteristics of a good teacher and fit for imbue understanding.<blockquote>ततोऽनन्तरमाचार्यंपरीक्षेत;</blockquote><blockquote>तद्यथा-पर्यवदातश्रुतंपरिदृष्टकर्माणंदक्षंदक्षिणंशुचिंजितहस्तमुपकरणवन्तंसर्वेन्द्रियोपपन्नंप्रकृतिज्ञंप्रतिपत्तिज्ञमनुपस्कृतविद्यमनहङ्कृतमनसूयकमकोपनंक्लेशक्षमंशिष्यवत्सलमध्यापकंज्ञापनसमर्थंचेत एवङ्गुणोह्याचार्यःसुक्षेत्रमार्तवोमेघइवशस्यगुणैः \सुशिष्यमाशुवैद्यगुणैः सम्पादयति|| (Char. Samh. 8.4)</blockquote><blockquote>tato'nantaramācāryaṁparīkṣeta;</blockquote><blockquote>tadyathā-paryavadātaśrutaṁparidr̥ṣṭakarmāṇaṁdakṣaṁdakṣiṇaṁśuciṁjitahastamupakaraṇavantaṁsarvendriyopapannaṁprakr̥tijñaṁpratipattijñamanupaskr̥tavidyamanahaṅkr̥tamanasūyakamakopanaṁkleśakṣamaṁśiṣyavatsalamadhyāpakaṁjñāpanasamarthaṁceta evaṅguṇohyācāryaḥsukṣetramārtavomeghaivaśasyaguṇaiḥ \\suśiṣyamāśuvaidyaguṇaiḥ sampādayati|| (Char. Samh. 8.4)</blockquote>Acharya Charaka further adds that, teacher holding such qualities quickly inculcates physician’s qualities in his disciple as the seasonal cloud furnishes good crop in a suitable land.

== Reverence to Gurus ==

== Reverence to Gurus ==

Gurus are thus respected and praised due to superiority in knowledge and rigorous penance.<ref name=":4">Pt. Girija Prasad Dvivedi. (1917) ''The Manusmriti or Manavadharmashastra. Translated into Hindi with notes, index and critical introductions.'' Lucknow : Newul Kishore Press. ([https://archive.org/details/ManuSmritHindi-GpDwivedi/page/n184 Adhyaya 2 Page 46])</ref>

Gurus are thus respected and praised due to superiority in knowledge and rigorous penance.<ref name=":4">Pt. Girija Prasad Dvivedi. (1917) ''The Manusmriti or Manavadharmashastra. Translated into Hindi with notes, index and critical introductions.'' Lucknow : Newul Kishore Press. ([https://archive.org/details/ManuSmritHindi-GpDwivedi/page/n184 Adhyaya 2 Page 46])</ref>

: गीर्य्यते स्तूयतेऽसौ ज्ञानतपोवृद्धत्वात् । ज्ञानप्रभावान्वितत्वात् तपोबलप्राधान्याद् वा पूज्यतमोमहात्मा । यथा, मनुः । २ । १३० ।

: गीर्य्यते स्तूयतेऽसौ ज्ञानतपोवृद्धत्वात् । ज्ञानप्रभावान्वितत्वात् तपोबलप्राधान्याद् वा पूज्यतमोमहात्मा । यथा, मनुः । २ । १३० ।

: मातुलांश्च पितृव्यांश्च श्वशुरानृत्विजो गुरून् । असावहं इति ब्रूयात्प्रत्युत्थाय यवीयसः ॥ २.१३०॥ (Manu. Smrti 2.130)<ref name=":1" />

: मातुलांश्च पितृव्यांश्च श्वशुरानृत्विजो गुरून् । असावहं इति ब्रूयात्प्रत्युत्थाय यवीयसः ॥ २.१३०॥ (Manu. Smrti 2.130)<ref name=":1" />

Mother's brother, brother of the father, father-in-law, rtvik and Guru (even if younger in age) are to be honored by getting up and mentioning the name.<ref name=":4" />

Mother's brother, brother of the father, father-in-law, rtvik and Guru (even if younger in age) are to be honored by getting up and mentioning the name.<ref name=":4" />

With the rise of persons seeking knowledge in Vedanta and darshana shastras, the reverence for the Guru became still more intensified; for spiritual upliftment depended entirely upon his proper guidance.<ref name=":0" />

With the rise of persons seeking knowledge in Vedanta and darshana shastras, the reverence for the Guru became still more intensified; for spiritual upliftment depended entirely upon his proper guidance.<ref name=":0" />

== Kinds of Gurus ==

== गुरवो बहुधा स्मृताः॥Kinds of Gurus ==

The teaching profession had a very high code in ancient India.  However, where ever there was a learning, the source of such a learning was attributed to a Guru. Dattatreya (Vishnu avatara as the son of [[Atri (अत्रिः)|Atri]] and Anasuya) was said to have 24 gurus including nature, which taught him valuable lessons. Among the deities, Dakshinamurty (Shiva) and Brhaspati (the Devaguru) represent Guru.  

The teaching profession had a very high code in ancient India.  However, where ever there was a learning, the source of such a learning was attributed to a Guru. Dattatreya (Vishnu avatara as the son of [[Atri (अत्रिः)|Atri]] and Anasuya) was said to have 24 gurus including nature, which taught him valuable lessons. Among the deities, Dakshinamurty (Shiva) and Brhaspati (the Devaguru) represent Guru.  

# Karanaguru (कारणगुरुः)  

# Karanaguru (कारणगुरुः)  

# Mahaguru (महागुरुः)  

# Mahaguru (महागुरुः)  

The explanation is as follows<blockquote>वर्णजालमिदं तद्वद्बाह्यशास्त्रं तु लौकिकम्। यस्मिन् देवि समभ्यस्तं स गुरुः सुचकः स्मृतः॥२७३॥</blockquote>O Devi! One who teaches the words and letters and the laukika shastras (worldly subjects) such a guru is to be understood as Suchaka (सुचकः).<blockquote>वर्णाश्रमोचितां विद्यां धर्माधर्मविधायिनीम्। प्रवक्तारं गुरुं विद्धि वाचकं त्विति पार्वति॥२७४॥</blockquote>O Parvati! One who teaches the dharmas and adharmas associated with varnashramas, know that such a preceptor is called as Vachaka<blockquote>पञ्चाक्षर्यादिमन्त्राणामुपदेष्टा तु पार्वति। स गुरुर्बोधको भूयादुभयोरयमुत्तमः॥२७५॥</blockquote>O Parvati! One who initiates by giving the Panchakshari and other mantras, such a guru is called Bodhaka (र्बोधकः), who is superior to the others as given above (Suchaka and Vachaka)<blockquote>मोहमारणवश्यादितुच्छमन्त्रोपदर्शिनम्। निषिद्धगुरुरित्याहुः पण्डितास्तत्त्वदर्शिनः॥२७६॥</blockquote>Those gurus teaching the usage of mantras with bad intentions (like for attracting, inflicting death, and controlling a person) is to be avoided and is thus Nishiddha Guru (निषिद्धगुरुः) as said by the Panditas who realize the supreme being.<blockquote>अनित्यमिति निर्दिश्य संसारं संकटालयम्। वैराग्यपथदर्शी यः स गुरुर्विहितः प्रिये॥२७७॥</blockquote>O Priya! That guru who shows the way to Vairagya (detachment) by the making the student realize that the world which is not eternal is full of miseries and pains, such a guru is called Vihitaguru (विहितः).<blockquote>तत्त्वमस्यादिवाक्यानामुपदेष्टा तु पार्वति। कारणाख्यो गुरुः प्रोक्तो भवरोगनिवारकः॥२७८॥</blockquote>O Parvati! Those gurus who prevents rebirth by imparting the knowledge of Tatvamasi and other Mahavakyas is called Karanaguru (कारणगुरुः).<blockquote>सर्वसन्देहसन्दोहनिर्मूलनविचक्षणः। जन्ममृत्युभयघ्नो यः स गुरुः परमो मतः॥२७९॥ बहुजन्मकृतात् पुण्याल्लभ्यतेऽसौ महागुरुः। लब्ध्वाऽमुं न पुनर्याति शिष्यः संसारबन्धनम्॥२८०॥ एवं बहुविधा लोके गुरवः सन्ति पार्वति। तेषु सर्वप्रयत्नेन सेव्यो हि परमो गुरुः॥२८१॥</blockquote>One who clears all doubts and removes the fear of birth and death (all fears) such a guru is called Paramaguru. Such a guru obtained by the punya (merits) accrued in different births, obtaining whom one is totally released from the bonds of samsara is the Mahaguru (महागुरुः). Such are the different gurus in the world but one should at all costs serve the Paramaguru.

The explanation is as follows<blockquote>वर्णजालमिदं तद्वद्बाह्यशास्त्रं तु लौकिकम्। यस्मिन् देवि समभ्यस्तं स गुरुः सुचकः स्मृतः॥२७३॥ (Guru. Gita. 3.273)<ref name=":5" /></blockquote><blockquote>varṇajālamidaṁ tadvadbāhyaśāstraṁ tu laukikam। yasmin devi samabhyastaṁ sa guruḥ sucakaḥ smr̥taḥ॥273॥</blockquote>O Devi! One who teaches the words and letters and the laukika shastras (worldly subjects) such a guru is to be understood as Suchaka (सुचकः).<blockquote>वर्णाश्रमोचितां विद्यां धर्माधर्मविधायिनीम्। प्रवक्तारं गुरुं विद्धि वाचकं त्विति पार्वति॥२७४॥</blockquote>O Parvati! One who teaches the dharmas and adharmas associated with varnashramas, know that such a preceptor is called as Vachaka<blockquote>पञ्चाक्षर्यादिमन्त्राणामुपदेष्टा तु पार्वति। स गुरुर्बोधको भूयादुभयोरयमुत्तमः॥२७५॥</blockquote>O Parvati! One who initiates by giving the Panchakshari and other mantras, such a guru is called Bodhaka (र्बोधकः), who is superior to the others as given above (Suchaka and Vachaka)<blockquote>मोहमारणवश्यादितुच्छमन्त्रोपदर्शिनम्। निषिद्धगुरुरित्याहुः पण्डितास्तत्त्वदर्शिनः॥२७६॥</blockquote>Those gurus teaching the usage of mantras with bad intentions (like for attracting, inflicting death, and controlling a person) is to be avoided and is thus Nishiddha Guru (निषिद्धगुरुः) as said by the Panditas who realize the supreme being.<blockquote>अनित्यमिति निर्दिश्य संसारं संकटालयम्। वैराग्यपथदर्शी यः स गुरुर्विहितः प्रिये॥२७७॥</blockquote>O Priya! That guru who shows the way to Vairagya (detachment) by the making the student realize that the world which is not eternal is full of miseries and pains, such a guru is called Vihitaguru (विहितः).<blockquote>तत्त्वमस्यादिवाक्यानामुपदेष्टा तु पार्वति। कारणाख्यो गुरुः प्रोक्तो भवरोगनिवारकः॥२७८॥</blockquote>O Parvati! Those gurus who prevents rebirth by imparting the knowledge of Tatvamasi and other Mahavakyas is called Karanaguru (कारणगुरुः).<blockquote>सर्वसन्देहसन्दोहनिर्मूलनविचक्षणः। जन्ममृत्युभयघ्नो यः स गुरुः परमो मतः॥२७९॥ बहुजन्मकृतात् पुण्याल्लभ्यतेऽसौ महागुरुः। लब्ध्वाऽमुं न पुनर्याति शिष्यः संसारबन्धनम्॥२८०॥ एवं बहुविधा लोके गुरवः सन्ति पार्वति। तेषु सर्वप्रयत्नेन सेव्यो हि परमो गुरुः॥२८१॥</blockquote>One who clears all doubts and removes the fear of birth and death (all fears) such a guru is called Paramaguru. Such a guru obtained by the punya (merits) accrued in different births, obtaining whom one is totally released from the bonds of samsara is the Mahaguru (महागुरुः). Such are the different gurus in the world but one should at all costs serve the Paramaguru.

== References ==

== References ==

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[[Category:Education Series]]

[[Category:Education Series]]