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==शिष्यलक्षणानि ॥ Shishya Lakshanas==

==शिष्यलक्षणानि ॥ Shishya Lakshanas==

We find many good qualities that a student should have given in texts like Smritis, Mahabharata, Chanakya neeti and later day sources like Subhashitas.

We find many good qualities that a student should have given in texts like Smritis, Mahabharata, Chanakyaneeti and later day sources like Subhashitas.

 

 

Sushrusha to the Guru, as we see above, is the foremost quality a shishya should possess. The term Sushrusha (शुश्रूषा) is derived from श्रु - श्रवणे (1.1092) used in the meaning कथनम् । श्रोतुमिच्छा ।<ref>Shabdakalpadhruma (See under [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%B6%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE Sushrusha] )</ref> telling and interested to listen. It is used in the sense of "telling, desirous of hearing, desire to hear and serve, reverence, obedience, attention to, at the service of"; thus Sushrusha to the Guru may be considered as one desirous to hear (the Guru's words with attention) and perform what has been advised by him (with full faith and obedience). We must note that in the [[Gurukula (गुरुकुलम्)|Gurukula]] system of education, a Shishya lived with the Guru over a long period of time and so sushrusha was a continuous process. He is in constant company with the Acharya with a goal to hear what (siddhanta, tattva) he tells in any particular circumstance that comes across in daily life.

The importance of sushrusha is mentioned by understanding the definition for the term Shishya (शिष्य) in '''Shabdakalpadruma''' as follows<ref name=":9">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%B6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE See Shishya (शिष्यः)])</ref>

The importance of sushrusha is mentioned by understanding the definition for the term Shishya (शिष्य) in '''Shabdakalpadruma''' as follows<ref name=":9">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%B6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE See Shishya (शिष्यः)])</ref>

:वाङ्मनः कायवसुभिर्गुरुशुश्रूषणे रतः । एतादृशगुणोपेतः शिष्यो भवति नारद ॥

:वाङ्मनः कायवसुभिर्गुरुशुश्रूषणे रतः । एतादृशगुणोपेतः शिष्यो भवति नारद ॥

A shishya is one who is interested in "'''sushrusha (शुश्रूषा)'''" (meaning "keenly listening" and performing according to what has been told) to his Guru by mind, speech, deed and offering his entire possessions. He should possess the following characteristics - serve/revere both Devatas and Acharyas by thought, deed and body, who has a pure heart (unbiased), has a unending zeal to learn and has exceptional grasping capability; such a person is to be known as a shishya.

A shishya is one who is interested in "'''sushrusha (शुश्रूषा)'''" (meaning "keenly listening" and performing according to what has been told) to his Guru by mind, speech, deed and offering his entire possessions. He should possess the following characteristics - serve/revere both Devatas and Acharyas by thought, deed and body, who has a pure heart (unbiased), has a unending zeal to learn and has exceptional grasping capability; such a person is to be known as a shishya.

The concept of '''Sushrusha (शुश्रूषा)''' is yet another unique, on par with [[Dharma (धर्मः)|Dharma]] and as a principle given in [[Sanatana Dharma (सनातनधर्मः)|Sanatana Dharma]]. A [[Guru (गुरुः)|Guru]] is highly revered and service to him is considered as highest of service. There are many examples of people who performed Susrusha to the Guru and attained greatness not only in wisdom and intelligence but also fame. It is said,<blockquote>

'''Sushrusha (शुश्रूषा)''' is yet another unique concept, on par with [[Dharma (धर्मः)|Dharma]] and as a principle followed even till recent times by acharyas of [[Sanatana Dharma (सनातनधर्मः)|Sanatana Dharma]]. A [[Guru (गुरुः)|Guru]] is highly revered and service to him is considered as highest of service. There are many examples of people who performed Susrusha to the Guru and attained greatness not only in wisdom and intelligence but also fame. It is said,<blockquote>

यथा खनन्खनित्रेण नरो वार्यधिगच्छति । तथा गुरुगतां विद्यां शुश्रूषुरधिगच्छति । । २.२१८ । । (Manu. Smrt. 2.218)</blockquote>

यथा खनन्खनित्रेण नरो वार्यधिगच्छति । तथा गुरुगतां विद्यां शुश्रूषुरधिगच्छति । । २.२१८ । । (Manu. Smrt. 2.218)</blockquote>

Meaning: Just as a person attains water by digging with a spade, so also one attains Vidya (knowledge) from a Guru by serving him.  

Meaning: Just as a person attains water by digging with a spade, so also one attains Vidya (knowledge) from a Guru by serving him.<ref>https://sanskritpearls.blogspot.com/2010/01/january-22nd.html</ref>

It has been falsely portrayed in many instances that sushrusha to Guru meant performing household chores, tending to the cows, performing agricultural activities, and personal service to the Guru and his family without any learning activity. However, that is not the case. As  mentioned above, the shishya spends his complete time with the Acharya participating in all activities of daily life. While selecting the twigs for yajnas he learns botanical aspects practically. While observing how his Acharyas and seniors perform the yajnas he learns the practical aspects about it. Thus on a continuous basis he learns the principles and reasoning involved in the activities when he observes them closely and performs them. This method of teaching instills confidence to handle the problems that may arise during the various activities involved in the life of a Grhastha. Acharya teaches the knowledge involved for say how to observe the soil for tilling or predict the rains based on movement of the celestial bodies. The tattva or reasoning behind the actions may not be immediately understood by the disciple and it is here that sushrusha has to be remembered. There were many times when the secrets unraveled by the Acharyas are specifically given only to his students and thus the knowledge is transmitted to the future student generations of that rshi. In this way the theory and practical aspects of subjects such as Botany, Geology, Astronomy, Agricultural activities, Mathematics, Political Sciences etc were grasped by students under constant guidance as well as surveillance.  

It has been falsely portrayed in many instances that sushrusha to Guru meant performing household chores, tending to the cows, performing agricultural activities, and personal service to the Guru and his family without any learning activity. However, that is not the case. As  mentioned above, the shishya spends his complete time with the Acharya participating in all activities of daily life. While selecting the twigs for yajnas he learns botanical aspects practically. While observing how his Acharyas and seniors perform the yajnas he learns the practical aspects about it. Thus on a continuous basis he learns the principles and reasoning involved in the activities when he observes them closely and performs them. This method of teaching instills confidence to handle the problems that may arise during the various activities involved in the life of a Grhastha. Acharya teaches the knowledge involved for say how to observe the soil for tilling or predict the rains based on movement of the celestial bodies. The tattva or reasoning behind the actions may not be immediately understood by the disciple and it is here that sushrusha has to be remembered. There were many times when the secrets unraveled by the Acharyas are specifically given only to his students and thus the knowledge is transmitted to the future student generations of that rshi. In this way the theory and practical aspects of subjects such as Botany, Geology, Astronomy, Agricultural activities, Mathematics, Political Sciences etc were grasped by students under constant guidance as well as surveillance.  

This is most exemplified by the story of [[Uddalaka (उद्दालकः)|Uddalaka]], the faithful shishya of [[Dhaumya (धौम्यः)|Dhaumya]]. We learn that as a part of faithfully listening to his Acharya, Uddalaka lays himself down in the field to block the flow of water and wins the heart of his Acharya who blesses him with all the [[Vidya (विद्या)|Vidyas]] and fame.  

This is most exemplified by the '''story of [[Uddalaka (उद्दालकः)|Uddalaka]],''' the faithful shishya of [[Dhaumya (धौम्यः)|Dhaumya]]. We learn that as a part of faithfully listening to his Acharya, Uddalaka lays himself down in the field to block the flow of water and wins the heart of his Acharya who blesses him with all the [[Vidya (विद्या)|Vidyas]] and fame.  

The story of [[Nachiketa (नचिकेताः)|Nachiketa]] is exemplary of a student of higher learning. When Yama asked him to seek three boons, for his third boon, Nachiketa wanted to learn about death and what happens after it. After hearing Nachiketa's argument about the boon, Yama was immensely pleased with [[Nachiketa's Qualities (नचिकेतसः गुणाः)|his disciple's qualities]] and gave him the knowledge of Self ([[Brahmavidya (ब्रह्मविद्या)|Brahmavidya]] or Atmavidya).<ref name=":2" />  

The '''story of [[Nachiketa (नचिकेताः)|Nachiketa]]''' is exemplary of a student of higher learning. When Yama asked him to seek three boons, for his third boon, Nachiketa wanted to learn about death and what happens after it. After hearing Nachiketa's argument about the boon, Yama was immensely pleased with [[Nachiketa's Qualities (नचिकेतसः गुणाः)|his disciple's qualities]] and gave him the knowledge of Self ([[Brahmavidya (ब्रह्मविद्या)|Brahmavidya]] or Atmavidya).<ref name=":2" />  

==== Other Qualities of a Student ====

=== Other Qualities of a Vidyarthi ===

Shabdakalpadhruma<ref name=":9" /> mentions further that<blockquote>शान्तो विनीतः शुद्धात्मा श्रद्धावान् धारणक्षमः ।समर्थश्च कुलीनश्च प्राज्ञः मच्चरितो व्रती । एवमादिगुणैर्युक्तः शिष्यो भवति नान्यथा ॥</blockquote>He is called a shishya, a disciple who is/possessess

 

Shabdakalpadhruma<ref name=":9" /> mentions further that<blockquote>शान्तो विनीतः शुद्धात्मा श्रद्धावान् धारणक्षमः ।समर्थश्च कुलीनश्च प्राज्ञः मच्चरितो व्रती । एवमादिगुणैर्युक्तः शिष्यो भवति नान्यथा ॥</blockquote>He is called a shishya, a disciple who is/possesses the following qualities

* <span style="color:blue">'''शान्तः - tranquil'''

* <span style="color:blue">'''शान्तः - tranquil'''

* <span style="color:blue">'''विनीतः - humble by nature'''

* <span style="color:blue">'''विनीतः - humble by nature'''

* <span style="color:blue">'''कुलीनः - born in a good lineage'''

* <span style="color:blue">'''कुलीनः - born in a good lineage'''

* <span style="color:blue">'''प्राज्ञः - wise'''

* <span style="color:blue">'''प्राज्ञः - wise'''

* सच्चरितो - good mannered

* <span style="color:blue">'''सच्चरितो - good mannered'''

* <span style="color:blue">'''व्रती - takes up learning as an austerity/vow'''</span>

* <span style="color:blue">'''व्रती - takes up learning as an austerity/vow'''</span>

'''Chanakya Niti''' summarily states - "what is education to one who seeks comforts? a student will not have any comforts. One who aims for comforts in life has to forego education, and one who wants education has to give up his material comforts. <blockquote>सुखार्थी वा त्यजेद्विद्यां विद्यार्थीवा त्यजेत्सुखम् । सुखार्थिनः कुतो विद्या नास्ति विद्यार्थिनः सुखं ।। </blockquote>One Subhashita source delightfully puts the student's qualities as follows<blockquote>काकदृष्टिर्बकध्यानं श्वाननिद्रा तथैव च । अल्पाहारो जीर्णवस्त्रं च एतद्विद्यार्थिलक्षणम् ॥</blockquote>These are the characteristics of a student:  

'''Chanakya Niti''' summarily states - "what is education to one who seeks comforts? a student will not have any comforts. One who aims for comforts in life has to forego education, and one who wants education has to give up his material comforts. <blockquote>सुखार्थी वा त्यजेद्विद्यां विद्यार्थीवा त्यजेत्सुखम् । सुखार्थिनः कुतो विद्या नास्ति विद्यार्थिनः सुखं ।। </blockquote>One Subhashita source delightfully puts the student's qualities as follows<blockquote>काकदृष्टिर्बकध्यानं श्वाननिद्रा तथैव च । अल्पाहारो जीर्णवस्त्रं च एतद्विद्यार्थिलक्षणम् ॥</blockquote>These are the characteristics of a student:  

* the sight of a crow  

* <span style="color:blue">'''the vision of a crow'''

* the attention of a stork

* <span style="color:blue">'''the attention of a stork'''

* the sleep of a dog

* <span style="color:blue">'''the sleep of a dog'''

* little portions of food

* <span style="color:blue">'''little portions of food'''

* wear worn out clothes

* <span style="color:blue">'''wear worn out clothes'''</span>

A crow is said to have keen observation. That kind of cognizance is  an essential characteristic in a student interested in increasing his wisdom. A stork is popular for its undivided focus and concentration, a quality greatly required for a student for deeper understanding of many things in a short time. A dog is a light-sleeper; easily aroused at a slightest stir. This characteristic of high state of alertness in a student, towards learning, increase the sources of knowledge. It is well known that intake of too much food makes a person drowsy and dull. Hence a student is advised to consume food in small portions without indulging in pleasing his palate. Wearing worn out clothes or being very sober about his looks is prescribed for a student to avoid and control unwanted distractions and diversions commonly present in his/her age.

A crow is said to have keen observation. That kind of cognizance is  an essential characteristic in a student interested in increasing his wisdom. A stork is popular for its undivided focus and concentration, a quality greatly required for a student for deeper understanding of many things in a short time. A dog is a light-sleeper; easily aroused at a slightest stir. This characteristic of high state of alertness in a student, towards learning, increase the sources of knowledge. It is well known that intake of too much food makes a person drowsy and dull. Hence a student is advised to consume food in small portions without indulging in pleasing his palate. Wearing worn out clothes or being very sober about his looks is prescribed for a student to avoid and control unwanted distractions and diversions commonly present in his/her age.<blockquote>आचारे शासयेद्यस्तु स आचार्य्य उदाहृत । यस्त्वाचार्य्यपराधीनस्तद्वाक्यं शास्यते हृदि । शामने स्थिरवृत्तिश्च शिष्यः सद्भिरुदाहृतः ॥ एवं लक्षणसंयुक्तं शिष्यं सर्व्वगुणान्वितम् ।</blockquote>An Acharya, as given in Shabdakalpadhruma<ref name=":9" />, is one who follows sadachara and disciplines the vidyarthis to follow the same. One who closely follows the sadachara that the Acharya instructs and bears the Acharya's words in heart; one who is steadfast and calm with unwavering focus is called as Shishya by our elders. Such a shishya having the above lakshanas is said to have all the gunas (Sarvagunanvita).<ref name=":9" />

 

Additionally, sushrusha to the Guru is one of the paths mentioned for the attainment of [[Nihshreyasa (निःश्रेयसम्)|Nihshreyasa]] Moksha in Manusmriti. <blockquote>वेदाभ्यासस्तपो ज्ञानं इन्द्रियाणां च संयमः । अहिंसा गुरुसेवा च निःश्रेयसकरं परम् । । १२.८३ । ।(Manu. Smrti. 12.83)<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%BE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 12])</ref></blockquote>Abhyasa of the Vedas (practice), tapas (penance), Jnana (knowledge of the Self), controlling the indriyas, ahimsa (non-violence) and guruseva (service to the Guru) are the highest paths of Nihshreyasa.

== निषिद्धशिष्यलक्षणानि ॥ Prohibited Shishya Lakshanas ==

== निषिद्धशिष्यलक्षणानि ॥ Prohibited Shishya Lakshanas ==

* <span style="color:red">'''अभिमानित्वं - state of self-conceitedness'''

* <span style="color:red">'''अभिमानित्वं - state of self-conceitedness'''

* <span style="color:red">'''त्यागित्वम् - abandoning nature'''</span>   

* <span style="color:red">'''त्यागित्वम् - abandoning nature'''</span>   

The above mentioned qualities pertain to the mental nature. Reviling and backbiting are severely condemned. It is also prescribed that the Guru's misdeeds if at all, are not to be blindly followed.

The above mentioned qualities pertain to the mental nature. Reviling and backbiting are severely condemned. It is also prescribed that the Guru's misdeeds if at all, are not to be blindly followed. Further the prohibited kinds of persons who are not to be granted studentship is mentioned in Shabdakalpadruma<ref name=":9" />

 

 

 

 

== Rules applicable while studying ==

== Rules applicable while studying ==

# Proper rhythm in reading, neither too fast nor too slow is required to make a good speaker.

# Proper rhythm in reading, neither too fast nor too slow is required to make a good speaker.

The above 6 are the traits that define a good reader. These traits make one's reading clear; conveys the message accurately; makes the material he is reading appealing. Additionally an upright posture and previous preparation about the subject matter, and precise pronunciation endears everyone to listen to the one who is reading.<ref name=":4" /><blockquote>गीती शीघ्री शिरःकम्पी यथालिखितपाठकः । अनर्थज्ञोऽल्पकण्ठश्च षडेते पाठकाधमाः ॥ (Pani. Shik. 7.32)<ref name=":3" /></blockquote>These are the six qualities of a bad reader - (reading) like a song (गीती); in a hurry (शीघ्री); shaking his head (शिरःकम्पी); just as is written (यथालिखितः); without knowing the meaning (अनर्थज्ञो);  and in a low tone (अल्पकण्ठः).<ref name=":5">[https://sanskritpearls.blogspot.com/search/label/Student%20%28%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%80%29 Good Qualities of a Reader]</ref> The following attributes are to be avoided at all costs.

The above 6 are the traits that define a good reader. These traits make one's reading clear; conveys the message accurately; makes the material he is reading appealing. Additionally an upright posture and previous preparation about the subject matter, and precise pronunciation endears everyone to listen to the one who is reading.<ref name=":4" /><blockquote>गीती शीघ्री शिरःकम्पी यथालिखितपाठकः । अनर्थज्ञोऽल्पकण्ठश्च षडेते पाठकाधमाः ॥ (Pani. Shik. 7.32)<ref name=":3" /></blockquote>These are the six qualities of a bad reader - (reading) like a song (गीती); reading in a hurry (शीघ्री); shaking his head (शिरःकम्पी); just as is written (यथालिखितः); without knowing the meaning (अनर्थज्ञो);  and in a low tone (अल्पकण्ठः).<ref name=":5">[https://sanskritpearls.blogspot.com/search/label/Student%20%28%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%80%29 Good Qualities of a Reader]</ref> The following attributes are to be avoided at all costs.

# Reading with a tune, as if the text were a song is to be avoided.

# Reading with a tune, as if the text were a song is to be avoided.

# Reading with a tone so low that even the person sitting in front has to perk up his ears causes disinterest in the listener.<ref name=":5" />

# Reading with a tone so low that even the person sitting in front has to perk up his ears causes disinterest in the listener.<ref name=":5" />

== Development of Character ==

== Factors involved in development of Character ==

====Importance of Habits====

====Importance of Habits====

* Raising early at dawn, in [[Brahma Muhurta - Scientific Aspects (ब्राह्ममुहूर्त का वैज्ञानिक अंश)|Brahmamuhurta]].  

* Raising early at dawn, in [[Brahma Muhurta - Scientific Aspects (ब्राह्ममुहूर्त का वैज्ञानिक अंश)|Brahmamuhurta]].  

* Plain living and high thinking (Costly food and gorgeous dress was prohibited)

* Plain living and high thinking (Costly food and gorgeous dress was prohibited)

====Importance of Routine====

====Importance of Routine====

Imitation and copying a good student was promoted and it helped in bringing up a student of lesser intellect. Many subhashitas declare that association with good people elevates a person while bad association only brings his downfall. One should be very careful in choosing one's company.<ref name=":0" />

Imitation and copying a good student was promoted and it helped in bringing up a student of lesser intellect. Many subhashitas declare that association with good people elevates a person while bad association only brings his downfall. One should be very careful in choosing one's company.<ref name=":0" />

== References ==

== References ==

<references />

<references />

[[Category:Education Series]]

[[Category:Education Series]]