Teachers: Guiding Light of Life

It is true when it is said that – teachers leave an everlasting impact on a student’s psyche. It happened with us. Didn’t it? Don’t we remember our teachers? Definitely we do and we would continue to do so as their memories are truly imperative. Teachers were significant part of our growing up process. We tend associate our school days closely with them. Not just teachers of higher standards but even primary school teachers are quite close to our heart.

From the very beginning, when we took initial steps into school, we regarded them as figures next to our mothers, who would nurture us and take care of us like a guardian. Teachers are given place of high regard as they are educators not just of our school life but of our whole life. Their teachings are not just restricted to the syllabus or course material but every one of us might have experienced this once in our life that we must have come across teachers who managed to change our perspective and outlook towards life. Certain words that our teachers say become our life’s guidelines. Those golden words act like a map that show us directions in our difficult phases of life.

Stature of a ‘Guru’

Our Indian culture and tradition truly gives stature of a “Guru” to a teacher. Guru, which is a Sanskrit word, is regarded as someone who has great knowledge, wisdom, and authority in a certain field, and one who imparts valuable knowledge to others (his students). This transmission of teachings from a teacher to a student is termed as guru-shishya tradition in India. This relationship is considered as pure and sacred, where student receives teachings with utmost respect, commitment, devotion and obedience.

In earlier days, it was considered important to find a teacher or guru who can impart transcendental knowledge in the right manner. In Hinduism, the guru is considered as respected person with saintly qualities who enlightens the mind of his or her disciple.  One of the main epic texts known as ‘Bhagavad Gita’ signifies guru- shishya relationship. One such popular dialogue in the battlefield between Lord Krishna (guru) and  (shishya) Arjuna, a Kshatriya prince outlines many ideals of Hinduism in this regard.  Here, Krishna narrates to Arjuna of the importance of finding a guru. Their relationship is considered an ideal one of Guru-Shishya.

Several saints and poets in India have expressed great views about the relationship between Guru and God.