Ashtottaram 70

 

 

 

70) OṀ GURU PARAMPARĀ BHŨMYAI-

                                                       NAMAH:

      OṀ (AUM) - GU-RU-PA-RUM-PA-RA-

                               BHOO- MYAI- NA-- MA- HA

 

         (Guru: means-Remover of ignorance; Paramparā: means-lineage)

 

 

 

 

 

In Hindu religion and culture, every science or art or craft has to be learnt directly from a competent teacher in that field. Since learning is considered as a tapas (austerity, discipline), the teacher has to be looked upon with great respect and reverence. A teacher of the scriptures is called an adhyāpaka or an upādhyāya or an āchārya. The former two teach the chanting of the Vedas, whereas the last one teaches their meaning and significance also.

 

The word 'guru' is used in a more comprehensive sense. 1) One who is praised due to his /her great qualities.2) One who teaches the 'sāstrās- like the Vedas. 3) It has sometimes been defined as one who dispels the darkness or ignorance. It invariably refers to a spiritual teacher, an advanced soul, who is an expert not only in the knowledge of the scriptures but also well-established in Brahman or God. A guru should be a person of pure parentage, of a sinless life and great self-control. Apart from having a deep knowledge of the scriptures, he should be an adept in the various modes of meditation and worship also. He must be the very personification of compassion and love towards his disciples. A disciple is expected to look upon his guru as if he is God Himself. However, the Hindu scriptures also warn the people against false gurus.

 

The word 'guru' has been used widely in the Sanskrit works in several other senses such as: father, mother, husband, name of a planet, the teacher of the gods Bruhaspati and any teacher in any field of knowledge and God Himself. We go back in time with regression analysis and realize that the first guru is 'God Himself' who is Omniscient. From Him the lineage continued and the knowledge is imparted. With this in mind, we show utmost respect to a 'guru' and start our prayers with the hymn- 'guru Brahma, guru Vishṇu, gurudevo Maheswarah; guru sākṣhāt Parambrahma, tasmai sri guruvenamah!' meaning 'Guru is Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswara and is none other than Parabrahman and my salutations unto him! Lord Sri Krishna who Himself is the Vedas- had Sāndīpani as His guru and Adi Śankarāchārya who was believed to be the incarnation of Lord Śiva-had gurus like Govinda Bhagavadpāda. Guru, once upon a time was a student himself and that lineage and tradition continues without a break in that line.

 

We don't see this kind of guru lineage in any religion, culture or country. On the contrary, if a teacher tries to discipline a student, that teacher will be fired right away and the parents, the community, the media, and everyone turn against the teacher for disciplining that student.

 

The land where the students, who not only are gaining the knowledge from a guru, but passing on that knowledge as a guru himself to other students, and keeping that tradition going and we are very fortunate and can proudly say that our mother land is 'Guru Paraṃparā Bhōmi'.