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Line 15: − 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>+ Line 22:
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Line 123: − === Seva (सेवा | selfless service) to Acharya === − Guruseva is one of the paths mentioned for the attainment of [[Nihshreyasa (निःश्रेयसम्)|Nihshreyasa]] Moksha. (Manu Smrti 12.83) − − वेदाभ्यासस्तपो ज्ञानं इन्द्रियाणां च संयमः । अहिंसा गुरुसेवा च निःश्रेयसकरं परम् । । १२.८३ । ।<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> −
Vidyarthi's Qualities (विद्यातुराणां लक्षणानि) (view source)
Revision as of 18:17, 1 June 2022
, 18:17, 1 June 2022Added content
==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 (शुश्रूषा) ====
==== Sushrusha (शुश्रूषा) ====
One of the duties of a student was to do personal service to the teacher along with all sundry work in his gurukula or his teacher's house, like cleansing the rooms etc., bringing fuel or guarding cattle. This custom existed in the Vedic age and was widely prevalent in later times also. Tradition asserts that even great personages like Sri-Krishna had deemed it an honour to do all kind of sundry work in their preceptor's house during their student days. It was held that no progress in knowledge was possible without service in the teacher's house. A student was to listen to all instructions from the teacher obediently at all times and perform the instructed activities without hesitation. This kind of service, called Sushrusha, had its limitations and the teacher was prohibited from assigning any work that interfered with the studies of the student.
Sushrusha 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.
Sushrusha 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.
'''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.
==== Other Qualities of a Student ====
==== Other Qualities of a Student ====
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'''
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.
An Acharya says 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 he 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" /><blockquote>आचारे शासयेद्यस्तु स आचार्य्य उदाहृत । यस्त्वाचार्य्यपराधीनस्तद्वाक्यं शास्यते हृदि । शामने स्थिरवृत्तिश्च शिष्यः सद्भिरुदाहृतः ॥ एवं लक्षणसंयुक्तं शिष्यं सर्व्वगुणान्वितम् ।</blockquote>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" />
: पापिने क्रूरचेष्टाय शठाय कृपणाय च । दीनायाचारशून्याय मन्त्रद्वेषपराय च ॥
: निन्दकाय च मूर्खाय तीर्थद्वेषपराय च । भक्तिहीनाय देवेशि न देया मलिनाय च ॥
: मुरुता शिष्यता वापि तयोर्वत्सरवासतः ॥
A paapi (sinner), one who is pitiless or remorseless, one who is bad by nature and cunning, miserly person, a poor, one who is not performing sadachara, one who does not like mantras, who accuses others, a stubborn person, who hates the teerthas, who is without any bhakti towards deities, and is dirty should not be given studentship or allowed to stay for a year (at the Gurukula).
== 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.
* 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)
* Obedience to seniors and teachers
* Prayers and meditation
* Physical activity both in the form of household chores as well as exercises
====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" />
=== Student Duties ===
=== Student Duties ===
A student was to hold his teacher in deep reverence and honour him like the king, parents and devatas. (manu 1.200, Charaka samhita vimana sthanam 8.4)
A student was to hold his teacher in deep reverence and honour him like the king, parents and devatas. (manu 1.200, Charaka samhita vimana sthanam 8.4)