The Hindu : Responsibilities of a preceptor

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 19, 2002

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Responsibilities of a preceptor

CHENNAI JUNE 19. "To some, knowledge of scriptures is like a bundle of firewood being carried on their heads. To some, it is akin to an oven burning inside their heart. To some others it resembles a chariot pulled by intoxicated and uncontrollable horses. However it is completely different for someone who is drenched in his spiritual teacher's (Guru's) compassion. To such a person, knowledge is something that works similar to an elixir, in every inch of the body." This verse was recited by a great master in archery who was entrusted with the task of training a number of princes, to point out how a student, undergoing apprenticeship displays his own natural attitude. The same lesson may convey different meanings to different types of disciples depending on their aptitude to assimilate. The same topic is taught by a master to all his disciples in a class, but some will probe deep into the lessons and others will just listen and go away disinterested in the subjects and just while away their time.

The responsibility of a teacher comes to play in such different circumstances and he should ensure that every one of his wards understood the significance of scriptural directives conveyed to them. To support his stand Drona (the expert archer) rendered the above verse. To illustrate further, the Acharya referred to one of the Mahabharata characters, Bhima (a trainee), who faithfully studied whatever told that it was his duty to do so. He belonged to the first category (in the verse) as his nature was not to question but to follow. In the case of Aswathama, his son, everything was a problem. Though he obeyed the teacher, yet deep inside he would be fuming. He did not know whether what he did was righteous or not and to such people, the "burning" within increased as they became more and more educated. In the third group were men like Duryodhana, who knew everything but always took a negative view and wanted to oppose everything and they never repented. In a message, Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swami said the verse mentioned that everyone could turn noble if the mentor (preceptor) showered his compassion on those who came under his spell. He (Guru) should become proficient in broadening his pupil's outlook. The student, on his part should develop the ability to appreciate the significance of every word that he uttered. Those who keep this directive in mind will be blessed.

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