Guru-shishya tradition

The guru-shishya tradition (also guru-shishya parampara or lineage) is a spiritual relationship found within traditional Hinduism which is centered around the transmission of teachings from a guru (teacher) to a shishya (disciple). The term shishya roughly equates to the western term disciple, and in some parts of India is synonymous with the term chela. In a Hindu context, the term guru signifies one who teaches or imparts knowledge. Such knowledge, whether it be Vedic, Agamic art, architecture, music or spirituality, is imparted through the developing relationship between guru and disciple. The principle of this relationship is that knowledge, especially subtle or advanced knowledge, is best conveyed through a strong human relationship based on ideals of the student's respect, commitment, devotion and obedience, and on personal instruction by which the student eventually masters the knowledge that the guru embodies.

Related Topics:
Lineage - Hinduism - Hindu - Vedic - Agamic art - Architecture - Music - Spirituality

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The guru-shishya relationship is a practice which has evolved into a fundamental component of Hinduism, since the beginning of the oral traditions of the Upanishads (c. 2000 BC). The term Upanishad derives from the Sanskrit words upa (near), ni (down) and ?ad (to sit) — "sitting down near" a spiritual teacher to receive instruction in the guru-shishya tradition. A description of this dynamic can be found embodied in the relationship between Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita portion of the Upanishads, and between Rama and Hanuman in the Ramayana. In the Upanishads, gurus and shishya appear in a variety of settings (husband answering questions about immortality, a teenage boy being taught by Yama, or Death personified, etc.). Sometimes the sages are women and at times the instructions (or rather inspiration) are sought by kings.

Related Topics:
Upanishads - Krishna - Arjuna - Bhagavad Gita - Rama - Hanuman - Ramayana - Yama

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In the Vedas, the brahmavidy or knowledge of Brahman is communicated from guru to shishya by word of mouth, bringing about the traditional guru-shishya parampara, or lineage.

Related Topics:
Vedas - Brahman

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The word Sikh is derived from the Sanskrit word shishya.

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See also Gurukula.

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